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Dear John: As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on the power of inclusive representation and the profound impact it can have on our communities. This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in building a democracy that truly reflects America’s diversity. Maya Younis, an alumna of New American Leaders and a passionate advocate, shares her journey of stepping into leadership as a Lebanese-Syrian Muslim woman. Maya’s story is a powerful testament to the difference we can make when we uplift new voices and empower leaders from underrepresented backgrounds. Maya’s remarkable achievements have earned her recognition as a 40 Under 40 Award recipient by the Arab America Foundation and as a 2021 NAL Alum of the Ready to Lead® Midwest cohort. Thank you for standing with us in this important work.
Warm regards, P.S. Join us in supporting a democracy that represents all of us!
Q: What socio-political challenges did you observe before getting involved with New American Leaders (NAL)? What did you want to change? A: Before joining NAL, I could see the diversity in the appearance of our representatives, but that didn't guarantee they represented unique perspectives too. Perspectives shaped by backgrounds like mine as a Lebanese-Syrian Muslim woman were often missing. Few women, let alone women of color, were stepping into these spaces. I wanted to change that by bringing both my lived experiences and my legal expertise to the table, hoping to create more authentic and inclusive representation. Q: What motivated you to take action? How is being part of the NAL community helping you make change? A: Advocacy has always been central to the work that I’ve done, both personally and professionally, so joining New American Leaders felt like a natural next step. I wanted to sharpen my skills with NAL’s support, and having access to their resources and connections has eased the anxiety of running for office. Now, I feel genuinely supported by a community that shares my values, is just as passionate about uplifting underrepresented voices, and believes that long-lasting tangible change is possible. Q: What have you learned from your journey with NAL? A: Through my journey with NAL, I’ve learned that you can’t go far alone - activating your community and building real, meaningful connections are essential. I’ve realized the importance of being confident in making my asks, knowing that my voice matters just as much as anyone else’s. Every voice holds power, and when we work together, we create lasting change. Q: What are your hopes for the future? A: I hope to see more women from underrepresented communities stepping up to run for office, empowered to share their message widely. And above all, I hope minorities who run for public office ultimately stay true to themselves, representing their communities authentically. Q: How can others help make a difference? A: We can all make a difference by encouraging diverse candidates to run for office and standing by them—whether that’s through word-of-mouth, voter education, or canvassing. Educate yourself on each candidate’s stance, especially on issues impacting your community, and hold them accountable to your values. These candidates represent you, and they should earn your vote by addressing what truly matters. |
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