Manpreet Kaur transitioned to the role of Director of Political Development in December 2025 after joining the Sikh Coalition’s education team earlier that same year. In this role, she spearheads the organization’s efforts to increase Sikh American civic engagement and political representation through comprehensive, non-partisan initiatives. With Sikh political engagement growing, the Sikh Political Leadership Training Program develops the pipeline of the next generation of Sikh leadership in the United States while fostering ongoing relationships with current Sikh electeds at the Federal, State, and local levels, all in compliance with 501(c) regulations.
Born and raised in California Central Valley, Manpreet Kaur is proud to call Bakersfield her hometown. A product of local public schools, Manpreet went on to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and minor in Law and Society from UC San Diego. Manpreet earned two Master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin- Madison: one in Urban and Regional Planning and one in Public Affairs.
In 2016, Manpreet founded the Kern County chapter of Jakara Movement, a youth leadership development organization focused on the health and wellness of the Punjabi Sikh population anchored in California’s Central Valley. The organization educates Sikh youth about their heritage, explores challenges facing them like gender equality, education and career pipelines, while preparing them to be leaders in their communities. Today the organization has 70 registered high school clubs and 25 collegiate chapters spanning 15 California counties.
In 2022, Manpreet became the first Sikh Punjabi woman elected to the Bakersfield City Council, the first ever to be elected to one of California’s Top 10 cities. She currently serves as the Vice Mayor and Ward 7 City Councilmember. In her free time, Manpreet reimagines the built environment to reflect urban design with equity for all.