Pramila Jayapal is an American politician, activist, and former financial analyst serving as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 7th congressional district since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she represents most of Seattle and parts of suburban King County. She previously served in the Washington State Senate representing the 37th legislative district from 2015 to 2017. Jayapal is notable as the first Indian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, the first woman to represent her district in Congress, and the first Asian American to represent Washington at the federal level. She currently chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, advocating for progressive policies on immigration, civil rights, and economic justice. Born in Chennai, India, Jayapal immigrated to the United States and built a career in activism and public service. Before entering politics, she founded the Hate Free Zone (later renamed OneAmerica) in 2001 following the September 11 attacks, serving as its executive director until 2012 to combat anti-immigrant sentiment and advocate for immigrant rights. She spent over two decades working in global public health, development, and as a national advocate for women's, immigrant, civil, and human rights. Jayapal holds a bachelor's degree in English and Economics from Georgetown University (1986) and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management (1990), with a focus on marketing. She is married to Steve Williamson, a labor union leader and organizer. Her work has emphasized economic justice, global affairs, and organizational leadership, reflecting her journey from immigrant rights advocate to influential member of Congress.