After an extensive search following the departure of the organizations’ founder and immediate past president, New American Leaders and New American Leaders Action Fund are proud to announce the new president, Ghida Dagher.
“For the past 10 years, we have worked to advance the notion that there is an incredible but largely untapped bench of talent among immigrants, refugees and communities of color. Our search for the next president of NAL validated that belief,” said NAL Board Chair Parag Mehta. “We met a number of extraordinary candidates who share our values and are more than ready to lead and to serve. I am grateful to the board members and staff who participated in our comprehensive, thoughtful and inclusive search committee, and I’m confident that, in Ghida, we found the best person to lead NAL into its second decade.”
Since 2015, Ghida Dagher has been an active member of the New American Leaders network, first as a training participant and later as a trainer and coach. In addition to her work with New American Leaders, Ghida has served in a number of leadership positions with preeminent nonprofit and community organizations, most recently as the Director of Appointments for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“For much of her career, Ghida Dagher has dedicated her time and effort to filling the halls of power with people who reflect the very best of America — including immigrants, refugees and people of color. This dedication extended to her work with NAL, where I first got to know her as a candidate in our training program and then as a fellow trainer,” Mehta continued. “She exemplifies the core values of our organization and has the vision to lead us forward. She is ready to lead New American Leaders because she is an exceptional, new American leader.”
“New Americans are not only the future of our democracy — we are leading today. We are the organizers, essential workers and community leaders that keep our country going. But we can’t do it alone — we need the support of our communities and the progressive movement as a whole to run, win and lead,” said Rania Batrice, NALAF board chair, partner at The Win Company and President of Batrice & Associates. “Ghida Dagher is the leader we need as we continue to grow the momentum we’ve built over the last several cycles. As a New American, political organizer and bold leader, she understands our communities’ growing political power and potential. She has the skills and vision to not only grow New American Leaders Action Fund and support our candidates, but provide the vision needed for our movement as a whole. We are ecstatic to welcome her to New American Leaders Action Fund as our new president!”
“As a refugee, New American, and public servant, the mission of New American Leaders has always resonated deeply with me. I’m honored and thrilled to be joining the organization as president and to build upon NAL’s critical contributions,” Ghida Dagher, New American Leaders’ incoming president stated. “Our American democracy is stronger when all backgrounds have equal opportunity and access to elected and appointed office. I look forward to our organization empowering and supporting a wave of New American leadership.”