Absolutely! I come from a family that has always believed in giving back to the community. My husband and I have been residents of Aurora Ward 10 for over 11 years, and our kids have gone through the Indian Prairie School District 204. As a volunteer, I have supported numerous PTA events, including the Reflections Program, Art Awareness, Cultural Intervention, and PTA Fundraisers. Seeing the growth and potential of this town, I felt a strong calling to contribute. Public service was a natural extension of my involvement in community initiatives, and I wanted to be a voice for the residents in ensuring positive change.

 

I’m especially proud of my work in three key areas: public safety, community engagement, and resident education. Early on, I recognized the importance of keeping residents informed, so I launched the WARD 10 Newsletter -- delivered directly to their doorsteps -- to ensure everyone has access to important updates and resources offered by the City. I’ve also initiated a number of community service events to serve local needs. These include Neighborhood Clean-Up Days, Shred Events, Vaccination Clinics, Back to School, Family Fall Festival, and WinterFest. On the infrastructure side, I’ve worked to improve safety by getting streetlights installed in previously dark and unsafe areas. I’ve also focused on road improvements, including street resurfacing and pothole repairs. In addition, we’ve planted numerous trees to enhance our neighborhoods and promote a greener environment. Each of these initiatives was inspired by listening to residents and taking action to improve their everyday lives.

 

One of the major concerns I’ve heard from residents is speeding in our neighborhoods. To address this, I prioritized the installation of speed radar signs at key locations across the ward. Getting sidewalks shaved and replaced, potholes fixed, planting trees, and keeping the residents informed about major City and Ward events.

 

The City offers a wide range of valuable programs for residents of all ages. For our senior citizens, there are programs like the Angel Snow Shovel Program, Cybersecurity Awareness Sessions, the CARS transportation service, and the Senior Resource Fair. For our youth, the City runs several after-school and summer camp programs that provide safe, enriching environments for learning and growth outside the classroom. In terms of public safety and preparedness, the City has a dedicated Emergency Management Services Agency to respond to crisis situations and coordinate support. For day-to-day concerns, residents can easily reach the City’s customer service by dialing 311. Additionally, a full list of services and resources is always available on the City’s website.

 

I’m always happy to help guide residents who want to get engaged. There are many meaningful ways to get involved. Attending City Council meetings is a great starting point to stay informed and have your voice heard. Residents can also join volunteer groups that support various community events I’ve organized throughout the year -- like Neighborhood cleanups, Shred event, Back-to-school, Family Fall Festival, Winter Fest, and others. I’m especially passionate about encouraging our youth to get involved. Volunteering helps them better understand how local government works and builds a sense of civic responsibility. To stay informed, I regularly send out newsletters with upcoming opportunities, and you can also follow updates on social media at Instagram: @AldermanShwetaBaid and Facebook: facebook.com/AldermanShwetaBaid. Also, there are several opportunities for volunteering to serve on a board, commission, or council as an opportunity to give back to the community and to make a distinct difference as we move Aurora forward.

Stonebridge is a vibrant and actively engaged community, and I’m proud to represent it. Following the 2020 Census, the City of Aurora experienced a population loss of approximately 17,000 residents, which required a redrawing of Ward boundaries. In the initial redistricting proposal, Stonebridge was at risk of being split into two separate Wards -- north and south of Indian Trail. I worked diligently to ensure that the entire Stonebridge community remained unified within Ward 10, preserving its strong sense of identity. I encourage all residents to continue connecting with one another and building a sense of community and staying engaged, as supporting each other strengthens not just Stonebridge but the entire city.

Absolutely. My professional background is in Information Technology -- I’ve worked as an IT professional and run my own tech firm as a sole proprietor. I’ve also had the privilege of teaching Math and Computer Science at New Jersey City University. In addition to that, I’m a passionate artist. I’ve always believed that the arts play a vital role in bringing people together. That’s why I try to incorporate art and craft activities into many of our Ward 10 events -- such as Back to School, Family Fall Festival, and Winter Fest. We’ve organized engaging projects like birdhouse painting, canvas art, jewelry making, nail art, face painting, and more.

We are a family of 4. My husband Vikram Baid, is a Software Engineer. My son Pratham, went to Metea Valley High School and graduated from University of Wisconsin at Madison. My daughter Vasu, is a Junior at Metea Valley High School. We have a dog, Milo. To list a few things we enjoy as a Family: We love exploring Forest Preserves, creating artwork together, and volunteering at community and City events.