Reuben D'Silva
Reuben D'Silva is an American politician serving as a member of the Nevada Assembly from the 28th district.
Early life and education
D'Silva was born in Mumbai, India, and immigrated to the United States as a toddler. At the time of immigration, his mother was undocumented and his father had temporary protected status. After his mother received a letter of deportation, then-Senator Richard Bryan, who later became state governor, stepped in to help. Growing up in the Las Vegas Valley from the age of six, he attended the now-closed St. Christopher Catholic School and Rancho High School in North Las Vegas, Nevada, where he served as class president for his graduating class. After graduating from high school in 2003, he attended the Community College of Southern Nevada and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after. He is a practicing Catholic and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, attending the Roman [Catholic Archdiocese of Las Vegas#Churches|St. James the Apostle church] in Las Vegas.He transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, while still serving as a Marine from 2003 to 2008. While enrolled in February 2007, he was deployed to Iraq to provide security in the Iraq War. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Naval Achievement Medal for his service during this time, as he was injured by enemy gunfire and helped save his teammates.
After returning to UNLV, D'Silva graduated with a Bachelor's degree in History. He received a Master's degree in Global Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and another Master's degree in Cooperative Religion and Politics at Yale University.
Career
Following his graduations, D'Silva returned to Las Vegas to teach History at his alma mater, Rancho High School. He also coached the girls' basketball team and serves as an advisor for several clubs.As an academic mentor, D'Silva has led and organized community events in several states, including his local Nevada, as well as California, Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. D'Silva also served as the Western Regional Director of Social Action for his fraternity alma mater, Phi Beta Sigma, and currently serves as the Alumni Director of Education.