This candidate statement originally appeared in the Westfield Leader on April 3, 2025

I’m Reshma Adwar—registered dietitian, former physical therapist, dedicated mom, and proud Westfield neighbor. I’m running for Town Council in Ward 1 to serve with compassion, listen with intention, and help build a community where everyone feels at home.

Living in Westfield was a longheld dream since I was a teenager, visiting often from Middlesex County. In 2021, that dream became reality when my husband, Jon, and I moved here with our two children. The warmth and connection we felt since arriving are why I’m excited to serve—and give back to this community that has given us so much.

My professional background is rooted in healthcare and advocacy. I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Columbia University and spent years working with patients to help them regain mobility and quality of life. In 2019, I expanded my credentials to become a Registered Dietitian, teaching countless children and adults the importance of nutrition in their everyday lives.

Today, I am a dynamic learning and development professional in the life sciences sector. I leverage my unique leadership skills to support the growth of future leaders, and model how teamwork and collaboration are cornerstones to accomplishing great things.

Alongside my professional life, public health advocacy has always been important to me. I’ve met with legislators on Capitol Hill and the New Jersey Legislature to advocate for constituents by offering expertise on healthcare bills and sharing research, data, and human stories demonstrating how proposed legislation would affect them.

One of my greatest achievements has been supporting new moms by highlighting the need for lactation spaces on college campuses and the creation of two such spaces at Montclair State University. I will bring this same commitment to advocating for Ward 1 as councilwoman.

My life has been shaped by change. At age 9, I moved with my family from New Jersey to India and returned when I was 15. This experience made me resilient and excellent at building connections and finding common ground through the power of listening.cThese qualities will serve me well on Town Council. Westfield is a town of multitudes: families and households of all iterations, those who’ve lived here for generations, relative newcomers like us, and vibrant, multicultural communities. I want to be a voice that represents and celebrates the richness of our town.

Today in Westfield, I stay involved through hands-on service and community engagement. At Franklin Elementary School, I volunteer with the habitat garden, school play, and support cultural events that celebrate our town’s diversity. My family and I are always out exploring local parks, supporting downtown businesses, or participating in community arts and cultural events.

I’m running for Town Council because I care deeply about the future of Westfield—about safe streets, a thriving downtown, and a community that remains welcoming and connected. I believe in thoughtful leadership that listens and brings people together. I promise to do just that if you grant me the privilege of serving as your Ward 1 councilwoman.

Reshma Adwar Candidate - Ward 1 Westfield