Dr Aditi Srivastava Bussells Becomes First Indian-American Councilwoman at Columbia City Council

She has overseen numerous state-wide initiatives to support child and family health and mental well-being.

FREMONT, CA: First-generation Indian-American immigrant Dr. Aditi Srivastava Bussells creates history as she becomes the first Indian-American Columbia City Council member of South Carolina. Bussells won the 7-member council’s seat in November 2021 to be elected to the municipal office of the state. Two other council members, Joe Taylor and Tina Herbert, also were sworn in the office, along with the new Mayor of Columbia, Daniel Rickenmann.

The inauguration took place in the 1700-block Main Street in Columbia, where the families of each new council member came to show their support. First taking the oath, Aditi Bussells highlighted that Columbia was moving into a new chapter and encouraged the young generation to engage in local issues and be involved with communities. She also promised to make informed decisions that will be based on root issues that Columbia’s residents are currently facing.

Dr. Aditi Srivastava Bussells is a public health researcher with the Children’s Trust. She has overseen numerous state-wide initiatives to support child and family health and mental well-being. Bussells received her Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of South Carolina. Her husband, Louis Bussells, is a frontline worker and Army Veteran. Bussells led among the seven-person field in the November election and ultimately defeated attorney Tyler Bailey. Over 10,000 people voted for her and elected her to the council. Bussell's motto throughout her campaign was to provide equal opportunities for everyone to thrive, regardless of their zip code. In the sworn-in ceremony, she also highlighted that her goals have always been to ensure that the Columbian community had access to expert guidance on public health, resources, and knowledge they need to make their voices heard.