When you think of the states that are moving toward equitable representation and where our movement for an inclusive democracy is really taking off, you might not think of Colorado. But maybe you should.

While only 4 of its 100 state legislators in 2020 were New Americans, the state has a quickly growing New American population, and more and more diverse Coloradans are stepping up to lead and using their voices to transform politics. A number of these powerful change agents are—you guessed it—NAL alumni!

Until last weekend, when we brought our Ready to Lead training to Aurora, we hadn’t had an in-person training in the state in three years. Clearly, we were due.

Over the three-day training, we met and got to know our incredible cohort of two dozen New American leaders, who inspired us and gave us renewed hope that soon Colorado’s leaders will look a little bit more like its increasingly diverse population.

We were grateful to be joined by a few of the state’s incredible leaders, including our trainer and Colorado State Senator Julie Gonzales (NAL alumna), Colorado State Representative Naquetta Ricks (NAL alumna), Colorado State Representative Iman Jodeh, Aurora Public Schools Board of Education Director Dr. Anne Keke (NAL alumna), and Lafayette Mayor Jaideep Mangat, as well as CBS Denver, which really captured the magic at the training.

As one of our new alums put it, “New American Leaders is an incredible training opportunity for 1st and 2nd generation immigrants like myself that are considering running for office or getting more engaged in political organizing. It was an honor to represent the Armenian community at the June summit in Denver.”

TODAY is the priority deadline to apply for Ready to Win—our immersive, four-day training for New Americans who want to run for office or serve as a senior-level staff member on campaigns in Washington, D.C. on August 26-29!

Make sure you apply today for best consideration (also note that while scholarships are available for applicants, they will be prioritized during the priority deadline).

If you have any questions about the training—even after you’ve applied—about our COVID-19 safety protocols, scholarships and travel assistance, resources and support for NAL alumni, or anything else, be sure to RSVP to our last Ready to Win info session on Tuesday, June 21st at 6 p.m. ET.

ICYMI: Our alumna and City Councilmember for District 6 in Detroit, Michigan, Gaby Santiago-Romero—the first openly queer Latina on the Council—took over our Instagram for Immigrant Heritage and Pride Month and it was 🔥🔥🔥 Be sure to check out her posts on our feed and in our highlights section.

Councilmember Santiago-Romero participated in our Ready to Lead training and New American Fellowship in 2016. (Fun fact: Some of her fellow trainees currently serve in the New York City Council, as mayor in Cudahy, California, and on school boards in Illinois and New York State!)

You can help us train more diverse leaders like Councilmember Santiago-Romero by donating $10, $25, $50 or whatever you can. Your support will not only allow us to train more diverse leaders than ever before, but also build a pipeline of authentic and inspiring community advocates and support our network of over 500 New American elected officials so they can champion policies that protect our rights, advocate for our communities, and strengthen our democracy.