Neighbor News
Namya Chouhan Elected Ms. President US Ridgefield
Platform focuses on mental health awareness in schools
After six months of civic leadership training, public speaking, mentorship, and community engagement through the Ms President US program, Namya Chouhan has been elected Ms President US Ridgefield for 2026, along with her VP, Vivienne Dobson and Campaign Manager Myra Jaiswal.
Namya, an 8th grader at Scotts Ridge Middle School, earned the title at the annual Ms President US Signature Campaign and Election held at Wilton High School’s Clune Center. Her winning platform focused on mental health awareness in schools.
The event featured 22 girls in grades 4-8 representing nine Connecticut towns, each presenting original campaign platforms before an audience of more than 300 community members, elected officials, educators, and civic leaders. The election celebrated the power of young girls using their voices to create meaningful change in their communities.
Connecticut State Senator Ceci Maher delivered the keynote address, encouraging the candidates to continue pursuing leadership and public service. “I hope I will see you out campaigning in the future. With that in mind, I know our future is bright!” she said.
The event drew support from numerous state and local leaders, including Ms President US Board Chair and First Selectperson Rudy Marconi, First Selectwoman Toni Boucher, State Representative Savet Constantine, State Representative Tracy Marra, Selectwoman Kim Healy, Registrars of Voters Wayne Floegel and Andrea Theodore, and Board of Education Chair Tina Malhotra.
“The confidence, creativity, and courage these girls demonstrated was exemplary,” said Amanda Cordano, Executive Director of Ms President US. “Namya’s platform reflects exactly what this program is about: empowering girls to identify issues in their communities and step forward as leaders with solutions.”
As Ms President US Ridgefield, Namya will participate in civic and community events throughout the coming year while advancing her platform and serving as a young ambassador for leadership and civic engagement.
Ms President US is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young girls to pursue leadership roles in their communities and beyond. Through educational programming, mentorship, and hands-on civic experiences, the organization empowers girls to become confident changemakers and tomorrow’s leaders.
2026-2027 registration is open and seats are limited. For more information, visit www.mspresidentus.org.
