Former Mayor of Anaheim, Harry Sidhu, recently shared his inspiring journey from being an immigrant janitor to a successful engineer, entrepreneur, and civic leader in an exclusive interview titled “Coffee with Harry Sidhu: How a Janitor Became Mayor.” Sidhu, who arrived in the US from India in 1974 with minimal resources, reflected on his early struggles, educational achievements, and career transitions that eventually led him to a prominent role in Anaheim’s local government.
Despite starting as a janitor and working night shifts while attending college during the day, Sidhu’s determination saw him earn a mechanical engineering degree and work for renowned companies like Amtrak and General Dynamics. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, he and his wife built a successful restaurant business before his passion for service led him to politics. Elected to the Anaheim City Council in 2004 and later as Mayor in 2018, Sidhu emphasized the importance of making tough but principled decisions, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout his tenure, Sidhu focused on aiding the community, distributing funds, supporting local businesses, and initiating public health and homeless assistance programs. Reflecting on his journey, Sidhu expressed gratitude for his humble beginnings and his belief in hard work, altruism, and modesty. His story serves as a testament to overcoming obstacles and making a positive impact on society.
To learn more about Harry Sidhu’s remarkable life and career, access the full interview provided in the article.