Hetal Patel: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: SchaumburgWebsite: NATwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Schaumburg Township Library Board Age: 39Family: I'm married to my husband Chirag Patel for 14 years. I also have two wonderful boys; Aashir 11 and Ashik 6.Occupation: President of Entelli ConsultingEducation: Loyola University Chicago, Bachelors in Political ScienceCivic involvement: I am a Trustee of Federation of Indian Assocations (FIA). Prior to becoming a Trustee of FIA I was the youngest and first female president of FIA. Youth Coordinator of Gujarat Cultural Association. Formerly a Committee Memeber of the Asian Americans Supporting Chicago Olympics 2016 Candidate City Committee. Lastly, a volunteer of Bochasanwasi Akharpurshottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).Recipient of the following awards:Cook County Circuit Court- Awards for Leadership, Financial Accountability, and Administrator of the YearCity of Chicago- Exceptional Contribution Provided to City of ChicagoIllinois Secretary of State- Humanitarian AwardFederation of Indian Association- Exemplary Community Service AwardElected offices held: NONEQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?This is my first time running for this position. There are a few reasons that have motivated me to run for this position. I feel being a ethnic minority I can bring diversity and represent and strenghten our diverse community as a whole. I also promote the values a public library brings to the community such as literacy, educational programs for all ages, and a heightened sense of learning. I have young children and older parents that are a part of the Schaumburg Township and I want to ensure that the library continues meeting the needs of all ages.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are a non-incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.Since technolgy is constantly evolving and with my experience in owning an IT Consulting and Staffing Agency I feel like I can help bring a balance with future technologies within the arena of library services and the more traditional library services; this I feel will keep the library relevant to all members of our community.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, since I was a child. Couple times a month. I spend a lot of time at the library with my boys. My younger sons loves playing in the treehouse in Kids Zone amd checking out puzzles. My older son can't wait to use the New Teen Place.Space is an issue at many libraries. If that's the case at your library, would your solution be to expand the physical plant or make room by doing away with parts of the collection that technology has made less critical? Explain.Schaumburg Township Libraries are unique in the sense that they have a main locatation and multiple satelite locations. SWhat impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?I believe that the library will always play a relevant role in peoples lives. They have put a lot of effort forth and has changed with technology. The Schaumbury Libary has done a tremendous job in including programs and resources that are relevent to all ages groups and such as education which includes but not limited to coding, wiriting, reading, robotics, etc.; technology which include computer classes and phone and tablet classes; hobbies such as cooking and crafts; health, resouces to those entering the job force; bussiness seminars; etc.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.A current leader that inspires me is Indra Nooyi. Indra Nooyi is the CEO of PepsiCo.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Don't be afraid to stand up in what you believe in. My parents have 3 daughters and wanted to us to have a voice.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spending more time with people I love and spend more time and energy in my community.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Psychology. Trust me it helps in trying to understand individuals and different personalities.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I tell my children all the time to always help those in need and never let anyone bully someone else.