About Malini

Malini Nayar is a community development finance professional, longtime Maplewood resident, and proud parent of two Columbia High School students.

Originally from India, she moved to the U.S. in 2001 for graduate school and settled in Maplewood in 2012. She has lived in various neighborhoods in Maplewood, but is now settled south of Springfield Avenue, with her partner, Christina, and their two dogs. Her children’s entire education has been within SOMSD, which has deepened her commitment to fostering inclusive, nurturing schools where every student can thrive. She believes that strong public schools must be rooted in transparency and inclusion, and must lift up the voices of all families.

Professionally, Malini works for a nonprofit lender that finances affordable housing and community development projects. If elected, she will use her expertise in budgeting, facilities assessment, and complex funding structures to effect sound school board governance. Malini served on the board of Compass Charter School in Brooklyn (2014–2019) and currently serves on the board of the New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation, demonstrating leadership grounded in equity, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making.

Outside of work, Malini keeps a low profile on social media but is often spotted running for NJ Transit in the morning, walking her dogs in South Mountain Reservation, or supporting local school and community events - try catching her at the CHS Basketball Booster Club Banquet!

As a queer immigrant parent, Malini has a deeply personal stake in public education and values the strong sense of community and commitment to diversity that define South Orange and Maplewood. Proud to call Maplewood home, she looks forward to giving back by helping ensure SOMSD remains a place where all families feel supported, included, and inspired.