Marketing professor-turned-finance commissioner-turned-romance author
Many students select Skidmore because they don’t have to decide whether they want to study dance or neuroscience, or choose between baseball and the cello — they can pursue all their talents.
“There’s even a word for that,” explains Minita Sanghvi. “Multipotentialite.”
And there’s probably no better word that describes Sanghvi, an associate professor of marketing at Skidmore, who published the lesbian-themed romance novel “Happy Endings” in 2022 to wide acclaim. Published by HarperCollins India, it tells the steamy tale of two women who rekindle a once verboten romance after a chance meeting on a plane.
Perhaps even more remarkably, Sanghvi has served as commissioner of finance for the city of Saratoga Springs since 2021.
Skidmore’ College’s Scope magazine spoke with the marketing professor-turned-finance commissioner-turned-romance author about how she does it all.
What topics do you explore in your teaching and research?
I teach business and marketing at Skidmore. My first book, “Gender and Political Marketing in the United States and the 2016 Presidential Election: An Analysis of Why She Lost,” was published in 2019. My first-year Scribner Seminar and (mid-level) Bridge Experience class are built around my research. For example, my course Madam President encompasses gender studies, political science, history, media and film studies, and — of course — marketing.
How did you end up writing a romance novel?
After the 2016 election, I was very anxious about signs of hatred toward brown people like me, immigrants, and LGBTQ people. My wife suggested I read novels instead of doomscrolling at night. And I found romance soothing. But most lesbian romances were about white people having white people problems. And I longed to read something I could relate to, so I started writing one. My novel, which is set in India, has a lesbian romance with parental drama, interfering friends, crazy fans, and Bollywood glamour. It’s steamy but also spicy.
Why did you run for political office?
The (part-time) finance commissioner oversees the budget and maintains debt service and our city’s credit rating. I knew I had that unique skillset, but ultimately, I ran for office because of my values. We need people to run in primaries and general elections to keep our democracy vibrant. Moreover, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ rights, immigration, science, and all sorts of other issues were at the forefront. I thought having someone on our city council who had those values and knew finance was critical.
Do any themes unite all of your work?
I think what’s common in all my work is that I’m very action oriented. I just roll up my sleeves and dive in. Inclusion is also a core principle of my life. I believe in the big tent approach; there’s room for lots of different people and perspectives.
What advice do you have for Skidmore students about pursuing their passions?
I think taking leaps of faith is important. You don’t have to know everything, but trust that you can figure it out along the way. Know that you will fail. That’s just part of life. I’m lucky because I have a partner who encourages me to try things. Coming out, learning to love myself for who I am, and being loved by my wife — all allowed me to share that joy with others in different ways.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. A version first appeared in the spring 2023 issue of Skidmore College’s Scope magazine.
