Rep. Mayadev speaks at podium during press conference on The Protect Wisconsinites Package with fellow legislators around.

Meet Renuka Mayadev

State Representative Renuka Mayadev has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and working families through public service, advocacy, and policy change. With a strong background in health policy, early childhood education, and public safety, she brings a wealth of experience to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

In January 2025, Rep. Mayadev made history by becoming the first South Asian to serve in the Wisconsin State Legislature. For the 2025-26 Legislative Session, Rep. Mayadev is honored to serve as the first Ranking First-Term Representative of an Assembly Committee in over a decade, as she oversees the Committee on Constitution and Ethics. In addition, Rep. Mayadev serves on the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging, and Long-term Care.

Rep. Mayadev earned her undergraduate degree in Economics with a concentration in Spanish from Northwestern University and received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Rep. Mayadev, Rep. Johnson, & Rep. Udell with UW Madison School of Public Health students in white coats at press conference.

A Champion for Maternal and Child Health

Before taking office, Rep. Mayadev worked at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the Wisconsin Partnership Program as the Program Advisor for Maternal and Child Health. In this role, she collaborated with community organizations, public health officials, academics, and healthcare providers to combat stark health inequities in maternal and birth outcomes – disparities that disproportionately impact communities of color across Wisconsin.

Her commitment to early childhood development extends to her service as a former Board Member of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA), where she advocated for high-quality early education systems to ensure every child gets a strong start in Wisconsin.

Rep. Mayadev stands smiling with civil and children's rights activist, Marian Wright Edelman, in an office space surrounded by framed photos and tapestries.

A Proven Leader in Public Policy and Advocacy 

Rep. Mayadev’s leadership in nonprofit and public sectors has strengthened communities and uplifted children and families. In her previous tenure as an executive at United Way of Central Ohio, she oversaw an investment portfolio focused on early childhood education and high school graduation initiatives, ensuring young people had the opportunity to succeed.

Previously, in leadership at the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), she led efforts to expand children’s access to healthcare, reform failing zero-tolerance school discipline policies, and advocated for the needs of families in both urban and rural communities. 

Her experience in government includes serving as a lead policy advisor to former Democratic Governor of Ohio, Ted Strickland, where she worked on juvenile justice, public safety, rehabilitation and corrections, and workers' compensation policies.