Council Member Zeel Ahir has been a proud resident of Artesia for 15 years, with roots from neighboring town Cerritos. The name “Zeel,” meaning “water reservoir” in Sanskrit, reflects a meaningful connection to the Latin origin of the city’s name, Artesia.
With an academic foundation in Psychology and Social Work from California State University, Fullerton, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Southern California, Council Member Ahir has served in a variety of educational and community-focused roles. These include behavior technician, tutor, school psychology intern, elocution specialist, Model United Nations advisor, internship coordinator, and community health worker.
Aspiring to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Council Member Ahir is passionate about advancing effective macro-level policies that promote social change and innovation. Their studies at USC, combined with experience lobbying in Sacramento and organizing grassroots initiatives through CALPIRG at UC Berkeley, have shaped a deep commitment to civic engagement and equitable community development.
Before being elected to the City Council in 2024, Council Member Ahir served as a City Commissioner for Beautification and Maintenance. Dedicated to environmental stewardship, Ahir actively volunteers for arboretums and tree-planting projects. In their free time, Ahir enjoys dancing at the local NDM Bollywood Studio on Pioneer Boulevard and designing festive clothing inspired by the Indian subcontinent.
Inspired by a beloved goddaughter, Council Member Ahir strives to create meaningful change through advocacy for sustainable living, youth empowerment, and the revitalization of local manufacturing. Through fostering community gatherings, such as neighborhood watch programs, cultural festivals, and educational workshops, Council Member Ahir works to strengthen Artesia’s shared sense of belonging and civic pride.