What a week for our NALpistas!

As many of them got settled into their new digs, like New York City Councilmember-elect Amanda Farías, others made history in the mayor's office.

On Monday, Deqa Dhalac was sworn in as the Mayor of South Portland, Maine, becoming the first Black Muslim woman to be South Portland’s Mayor and the first Somali American Mayor in the United States!

As NAL President Ghida Dagher said in this CNN article, "Her leadership will certainly make a big difference not only in South Portland, but around the country. She's going to serve an example for Somali Americans across the country to step up and step into their own leadership journey. ... It's about owning their own power and potential in our democracy."

Just a few miles away from Mayor Dhalac, Pious Ali—one of the leaders of our movement and loudest champions for New American leadership—was voted in and became the Mayor Pro Tem of Portland, Maine! Mayor Pro Tem Ali started his political journey in 2013, when he ran for his local school board and made history by becoming the first African-born Muslim to hold public office in Portland.

What's significant about both of these huge wins is where they happened. South Portland is 90% white, and Maine is the whitest state in the nation. This proves that New Americans are electable anywhere, and that what really matters—the reason South Portland's all-white city council unanimously voted in Mayor Dhalac—is a person's ability to lead, dedication to the community, and thoughtful consideration of issues.

Last but not least, NAL alumna Lane Santa Cruz was sworn in as the Vice Mayor of Tucson, Arizona on Monday! This now means that Tucson's Mayor (Regina Romero) and Vice Mayor are both powerful Latinas and NAL alums! We really love to see it.

ICYMI: Our 2021 Power and Policy summit was last week, where we convened New American elected officials from across the country to address critical issues facing New American and BIPOC communities, showcase successful legislation, and build our movement!

If you missed the action, you can watch the opening plenary on redistricting and the closing remarks, featuring Congressman Joe Neguse and a discussion on legislator pay led by Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani on our Facebook page.

We are still looking for our next National Director of Governance Programs! They will contribute strategic insights and substantive input on programs in progress and develop new initiatives to support our network of elected officials across the country.

Learn more about the role and apply ASAP!

2022 is almost here, and that means our first training of the new year is just around the corner!

For all you Southwesterners, our first in-person Ready to Lead training in two years will be held in Las Vegas on February 4-6. You'll learn how to message, fundraise, and embrace your heritage to become a successful candidate!

Apply by January 10th (and please share this with anyone you think should apply)!