> Puja is a talented community organizer with a passion for perfection and change.

Puja recently graduated from UCLA with a degree in International Development Studies. While at UCLA, she served the campus community as well as Los Angeles County through her work with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and California Public Interest Research Group by addressing issues of hunger and homelessness in Los Angeles. Puja was given the unique opportunity to serve at the U.S. Embassy in Delhi, India in the Public Affairs Department and speak on behalf of the Embassy at Fulbright selection committees, college campuses, and community events throughout the Delhi community.

Puja joined the Hillary Clinton campaign soon after graduation in Iowa where her role in organizing one of the state’s ninety-nine counties translated into serving as political liaison, volunteer coordinator, and get out the caucus community organizer. She moved on with the campaign to New Mexico where she oversaw the largest congressional district and successfully garnered some of largest margins in the state for the campaign.

As a native of the Bay Area, Puja explores the area on weekend trips. She also enjoys kickboxing, Indian dance, and keeping up with political blogs.

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Through kiva.org, all Barbary Coast employees make interest-free microloans to people in need around the world.  Puja’s Kiva partner is Savriniso Rajabova. Living in Yavan, Tajikistan, Savriniso is a single mother providing for her five children. Despite her hardships, Savriniso has successfully sold fabrics in the Mehrgon market for the past sixteen years and her fabrics are in high demand for the creation of national costumes. Savriniso hopes to use the funds to purchase additional materials for the start of the new season.