Meet Column 1
Growing up in Edison New Jersey
Taha Shaikh is the son of two Indian immigrants and was born and raised in Edison, New Jersey. He developed a deep connection to his town and community, with some of his favorite childhood memories including playing at Papiani Park, attending the summer programs at the Recreation Center next to the Main Library, and enjoying a classic sub at Tastee Subs. These experiences instilled in him a strong sense of community and, more importantly, a lasting reason to give back.
Sarjil Mansuri is the son of two Indian immigrants and now the father of two young kids who will be entering the Edison Public School System. His wife is an alumnus of Edison High School, while he graduated from JP Stevens. Growing up, he had enjoyed the Inman sports club and played tennis and basketball in Lindquist Park. As a lifelong resident who has had his entire life revolved around Edison, Sarjil’s roots and future now lie in the fate of his town.
Experiences in Edison’s Education System
Taha began his journey at the Early Learning Center (Pre-K) and continued through Washington Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle, and Edison High School, where he participated in the STEM Academy as a freshman and for part of his sophomore year. During his time, he was involved in numerous extracurriculars, sports, and activities. He witnessed Edison’s early integration of technology while also experiencing firsthand the challenges students face—from limited educational mentorship and guidance to the unspoken an d unresolved obstacles that many navigate every day. These experiences inspired Taha’s passion for making a difference and motivated him to get involved in improving education in Edison.
Sarjil Mansuri began his education at St. Cecilia’s Catholic School before joining the Edison public school system in 6th grade at John Adams Middle School. He went on to graduate from John P. Stevens High School with the Class of 2010, where dedicated teachers and supportive classmates helped shape his path forward. During his school years, Sarjil also saw the pressures students face—high academic expectations, limited mentorship, and challenges many families quietly navigate. These experiences inspired him to give back and continue to guide his perspective today as an engineer, mentor, and parent.
Think Globally, Act Locally: Grassroots Activism
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle,” have long served as a guiding principle for Taha. Taha has served on Congressman Frank Pallone’s Youth Advisory Council, which has strengthened his commitment to public service and civic engagement. In addition, Taha has spoken at multiple Town Council, Zoning Board, and Board of Education meetings, advocating for issues that affect the citizens of Edison and working to ensure the community’s voice is heard.
Sarjil Mansuri holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and works as a validation engineer, contributing to life-saving medications for companies like Johnson & Johnson, BMS, and Gilead Sciences. His work in clinical investigation, data analysis, and regulatory defense has given him a global perspective on problem-solving, innovation, and the impact one can have on people’s lives. But Sarjil’s commitment doesn’t stop at the lab. From 2018 to 2020, he served on the Edison Zoning Board, helping expand homes, community centers, and local businesses for the benefit of his hometown. He has also mentored youth groups, guiding high school students in professional, academic, and personal development. For Sarjil, thinking globally and acting locally means using the lessons and experience gained on the world stage to create meaningful, positive change right here in Edison.
Why are we Running?
The Edison Board of Education needs fresh leadership with a visionary mindset—one that can revolutionize our schools and give students a true advantage as they prepare for life after high school in an increasingly competitive world. Every student deserves leadership that is transparent, accessible, and always within reach. As a product of the Edison school system, Taha & Sarjil know its strengths, but they have also seen its weaknesses—many of which are too often lost in bureaucracy and ineffective leadership. Column 1 is running to bring bold ideas, accountability, and a student-focused perspective to ensure every child in Edison has the resources, guidance, and opportunities they deserve.
