KANSAS (TIP): Indian American Entrepreneur Anita Malik, a Democrat, announced her candidacy to run against Congressman David Schweikert in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District.

The daughter of immigrants from India, Anita was born in Kansas City, Missouri. When she was 7, her family moved to Arizona. Her father, a mechanical and computer engineer, instilled in her the importance of leading with empathy and listening; her mother, a stay-at-home mom with a passion for the arts, taught her to appreciate the journey. She attended Scottsdale schools, graduating from Chaparral High School in 1994.

Anita went on to graduate summa cum laude with degrees in both computer information systems and finance from Arizona State University. She later earned her master’s in journalism from the University of Southern California in 2002.

Anita started her career in the early days of Arizona tech, working for MicroAge as a business analyst. She went on to work at the The Arizona Republic, and was Deputy Director of ASU’s Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism. More recently, Anita was COO of marketing tech startup, ClearVoice. Over the years, she developed a unique blend of content and technology experience that put her at the forefront of digital media.

Anita’s entrepreneurial projects have often struck a chord nationally. In 2004, she founded East West Magazine, a national publication celebrating the pan Asian-American life. She was featured on FOLIO’s “40 Under 40” list for her ability to eloquently promote and support a multicultural America. Anita was also a regular guest on NPR’s “Tell Me More.”

Her more recent projects include BrideRush, an online booking tool for event planning; ListenforHer, resources to help women at work; and process consulting for local startups and government agencies.

Anita’s motivations in business changed when she lost her father to cancer in 2003. No success in business matters, he reminded her, if you don’t have your health. Since then, Anita’s energy has been focused on creating healthy, compassionate and balanced workplaces. She hopes to continue this mission with legislation to support affordable childcare options, wellness programs and equal pay.

Anita and her husband live in Scottsdale.