In the past, Hardikar has worked with both Asian and LGBT communities in grass roots roles. She has been involved in fundraising and mobilising community leaders to lobby for change. 

In the past she has been the director of the LGBT Leadership Council for the Democratic National Committee and was the Deputy Director of LGBT Voter Outreach and LGBT Finance for the 2012 Obama-Biden President Campaign.

Hardikar is the first woman of colour in this role and has stated that she will draw on this identity to fulfil the duties of her role.

"As a daughter of Indian immigrants," said Hardikar, "I'm proud to serve this President, who has shown time and again that inclusion of and more participation from Americans of diverse backgrounds only makes our nation stronger."