Hi John, This Immigrant Heritage Month, NAL has celebrated New Americans working to build the inclusive democracy we deserve. I am honored to be part of this history as a NAL alumna who, thanks to the skills and confidence NAL gave me, became the first Liberian American elected to office in Colorado. Donate today to fuel up the New American political movement and support leaders like me. My leadership journey started when I ran for the University of Colorado Board of Regents eight years ago. Despite receiving 100,000 votes, I lost that race. Next, I ran for Aurora City Council and came in third. These defeats were crushing, and I felt like a career in public office was not in the cards for me. Then, in 2019, I participated in NAL’s Ready to Lead Training in Colorado. I met incredible BIPOC changemakers from across the country and received encouragement, insider tips, and unmatched leadership training. NAL’s curriculum and network gave me the confidence and support I needed to run once more.
Today, as Colorado State Representative for House District 40, I advocate for immigrants, refugees, and working families. I sponsored a successful bill to create an Immigration Legal Defense Fund and helped set up pop-up clinics to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to immigrant communities. I credit NAL for giving me the courage to lead authentically as an immigrant and refugee in office, and I am thrilled to support the next cohort of immigrant leaders by connecting with them through NAL. NAL is changing history by shaking up politics as usual. As a Black refugee and immigrant legislator, I am proof that this training and curriculum work. I may be the first, but I know I will not be the last. In Solidarity and Gratitude, |
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