Now, the Columbia University grad is turning that frustration into action by running for the office of Ohio State Representative in District 56. “I think that my experience in politics has really strengthened that resolve for me.”Before running for office herself, Acharya was deeply involved in grassroots politics in southwest Ohio. She helped start the Warren County Young Dems, a coalition helping young voters and activists get more involved in the political process. “I think it’s very easy for politicians to make these grand statements about what they want to do,” says Acharya. “We have to redefine what that is going to look like in the first place.”Despite going to college outside the state, Acharya says Ohio has always been home — and she wants to fight for it.