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Dear John ,

As we gather for the holidays and prepare for the new year, we are deeply grateful for our tenacious alumni network at New American Leaders. The strength and resilience of this community is unmatched, and their stories continue to serve as powerful reminders of the inclusive future we are fighting for in 2025. [[link removed]]

Today, we are honored to spotlight NAL alum John Bahia, a fierce advocate for community representation and a true example of the resiliency of New Americans. [[link removed]] John is a first-generation Filipino American, currently serving as Special Projects Coordinator for the New York State Assembly while also pursuing his undergraduate degree at Columbia University. John’s journey is nothing short of remarkable - having navigated life in the U.S. without his parents since he was a teenager, at 21, John served as the youngest member of Queens Community Board 2. He moved on to work in the office of Assemblymember Steven Raga, the first-ever Filipino American to be elected in New York State history. John has been unstoppable ever since.

In this Q&A, John reflects on how COVID-19 helped to expose the inequalities of American healthcare, housing, and job security, and galvanized a personal commitment to justice and advocacy for immigrant and minority populations. His NAL training not only gave him the tools to mobilize his passion for inclusive democracy, but also connected him with a network of like-minded individuals who share his hope for a future where our leaders reflect the diversity of our nation, and serve with transparency and dedication to all. [[link removed]]

Keep reading to learn more about how John is working to fight the status quo and advocate for New American communities. I encourage you to make a generous donation of $25, $50, $75, $100, or $250 today to support both John and NAL’s vision for an inclusive and equitable democracy, in 2025 and beyond. [[link removed]]



Warmly,
Michelle Munjanattu
Senior Manager of Institutional Giving
New American Leaders


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Q: What socio-political challenges did you observe before getting involved with New American Leaders (NAL)? What did you want to change?

A: Before getting involved with NAL, my experiences in New York City—right in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States—confronted me with the profound inequalities faced by our communities. The glaring disparities in healthcare access, housing stability, and job security disproportionately affected our diverse immigrant and minority populations. These harsh realities galvanized my commitment to align with those advocating for justice and the fundamental rights deserved by every working-class individual.




Q: What motivated you to take action? How is being part of the NAL community helping you make change?

A: My drive to take action is rooted in my identity as a first-generation New American who has navigated life in the U.S. without my parents. The challenges I’ve faced have shaped my worldview and ignited a strong desire to advocate for change. Being a part of the NAL community has been transformative, equipping me with critical skills, a robust network, and strong institutional support. NAL has not only given me a platform but also the means to elevate others, fostering a new generation of leaders from your local school board to the halls of Congress.




Q: What have you learned from your journey with NAL?

A: During my time with NAL, I had the amazing opportunity to interact and be in community with a diverse group of individuals from Las Vegas to Dearborn, Michigan further enriching my understanding of what community representation really means. From the discussions of the challenges that we face to the reasons that motivate us, we have shown how our experiences are intersectional, transcending geographic boundaries. This journey has further emphasized the urgent need for inclusive representation that truly reflects and advocates for the complex realities and issues that our communities face.




Q: What are your hopes for the future?

A: My hope for the future of our elected leaders is one where integrity and public service prevail over the influence of special interests and dark money. I aspire to see a political landscape where our representatives and government officials prioritize the needs and well-being of its people, rather than capitulating to the highest bidders and entrenched interests that currently plague our political system. It’s crucial that we commit to rejecting any forms of inducements that undermine the foundations of our democracy, ensuring that our leaders can truly serve the people with full transparency and dedication.




Q: How can others help make a difference?

A: I believe that everyone has the power to drive change through actively engaging, being involved, and speaking out in any way, shape, or form that they can, even on issues that may not directly affect them. Whether it’s standing in solidarity against our government’s complicity on the ongoing genocide in Palestine or tackling issues and injustices domestically, making a difference requires showing up, stepping up, and being in solidarity with one another. I have found a home in NAL among like-minded individuals who are committed to challenging the status quo and driving change that benefits New American communities.

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