Newark Unified School District · Board of Education

Renu Malhotra for Newark USD
School Board

Educator at heart, technologist by trade, and a Newark parent who believes every student deserves holistic programs - from academics to arts to sports - and the chance to explore their full potential.

That begins at the outset, where policy is set: structural improvements, and programs that prepare students for tomorrow.

Connect With Me See My Track Record

In Renu's own words: Renu Malhotra, candidate for Newark Unified School District Board of Education

For the past 20+ years, Newark has been home to my family. As a mother of two daughters growing up in our community, I have experienced firsthand the hopes every parent has for their children - to receive an excellent education, discover their strengths, and graduate for a bright future.

Education transformed my own life. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, and an MBA from UC Berkeley, I built a career spanning over three decades leading innovation - from helping shape mobile technologies to currently advancing the safe and responsible use of AI. Along the way, I have learned - great organizations succeed through vision, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement.

As an eight-armed juggler, I also lead a Girl Scouts troop, direct a Tri-City foreign language program for K-12 students, and serve on the boards of Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair (ACSEF) and American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin (ASEI) - all with an objective of making our communities stronger!

I will bring community-focused leadership, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, a commitment to stronger academics, STEM, and the whole-child approach - ensuring every Newark student has the opportunity to thrive.

My intent is to listen, lead with integrity, and work to enable our students for a lifetime of success.

a little about me

A technologist who never left the classroom

Two decades in Newark, a career built on solving hard problems, and a life spent showing up for kids.

Renu has spent nearly three decades helping shape the tech industry, building products and leading teams at some of the biggest names in software - from Sun Microsystems and Oracle to IBM and Broadcom - and today leads AI product strategy for the enterprise. That same discipline in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational excellence is what she brings to community service.

She is a recognized industry speaker and advisory board member, invited to share her perspective on responsible AI adoption at conferences and institutions worldwide - but her most fulfilling work has always been closer to home: a Newark resident of 20 years, raising her own children here, and working to make our world a better place every day.

Renu Malhotra speaking at a professional event

years of showing up

Already in the neighborhood, already doing the work

On the record…

Troop Leader

Girl Scouts

Leadership, teamwork & community-responsibility programming for young girls.

Excellence in Volunteering Award

Robotics Coach

REC Foundation

STEM mentorship through hands-on learning & competition.

Hosted NorCal's first regional tournament - in Newark

Program Director

Tri-City foreign language program

Directs a K–12 foreign language program serving students across the Tri-City area.

K–12, Tri-City wide

Active Parent Partner

Newark schools

Facilitated MOEMS & MathCounts access for elementary and middle schoolers.

Strong early foundations in math & problem solving

Board Member

ACSEF

Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair - county-wide STEM competition for middle and high school students.

County-level STEM governance

Board Member

ASEI

American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin - professional development & student mentorship.

National professional network

the neighborhood speaks

The community's voice

Parents of the students I've coached, teachers, local businesses, HOA leaders, seniors, and neighbors whose lives I've had the privilege to touch.

Their support means everything, and their voices are the heart of my drive for bettering our communities. A few of them are below, in their own words.