203. Public Service w/ Zohaib 'Zo' Qadri
The first-born child of immigrants, Zohaib 'Zo' Qadri is the first South Asian American and Muslim elected to serve on the Austin City Council. He was elected to represent District 9 in 2022 and serves the residents of some of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, including Travis Heights, Hyde Park, and Downtown. He is committed to tackling Austin’s housing crisis, fighting for an expanded and equitable transit system, and protecting and uplifting Austin most marginalized residents. He currently lives in Downtown Austin with his wife, Wafa, a physician assistant at Baylor Scott & White, and their cat, Daisy Mae.
Topics Covered:
• Spending down time w/ wife and friends
• Growing up in Victoria and A Town Called Victoria Documentary by Li Lu
• Pivoting from medicine/healthcare into public service and being inspired by his family's giving back.
• Zo's political career journey from graduate school, working with the City of Kyle, City of Houston and pivoting towards electoral work, getting involved in campaigns (Beto's Senate Race), working at the capitol and worked at Senator Warren's Presidential Campaign, before running for Council.
• Difference between Texas State and Rice University and what drew Zo back to Austin
• Family expeirences with politics and reaction to Zo's pivot.
• Zo's perspective on the changes and growth Austin has experienced and representing District 9.
• Not taking for granted being the first South Asian city council member and the importance of representation.
• Helping to pass increased safety measures on Sixth Street and Rainey Street after the Lady Bird Lake incidents.
• How Zo wants to be remembered for during his time on City Council
Referenced Materials:
District 9 | Austin, Texas
A Town Called Victoria Documentary
Kiin Di Thai Truck
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/anatolia
License code: CTKXYDZ8R9QDK4F8
Topics Covered:
• Spending down time w/ wife and friends
• Growing up in Victoria and A Town Called Victoria Documentary by Li Lu
• Pivoting from medicine/healthcare into public service and being inspired by his family's giving back.
• Zo's political career journey from graduate school, working with the City of Kyle, City of Houston and pivoting towards electoral work, getting involved in campaigns (Beto's Senate Race), working at the capitol and worked at Senator Warren's Presidential Campaign, before running for Council.
• Difference between Texas State and Rice University and what drew Zo back to Austin
• Family expeirences with politics and reaction to Zo's pivot.
• Zo's perspective on the changes and growth Austin has experienced and representing District 9.
• Not taking for granted being the first South Asian city council member and the importance of representation.
• Helping to pass increased safety measures on Sixth Street and Rainey Street after the Lady Bird Lake incidents.
• How Zo wants to be remembered for during his time on City Council
Referenced Materials:
District 9 | Austin, Texas
A Town Called Victoria Documentary
Kiin Di Thai Truck
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/anatolia
License code: CTKXYDZ8R9QDK4F8
