Earlier today, New American Leaders (NAL) announced the members of its 2024 Elected Advisory Council. This council, a cornerstone of NAL’s initiatives, brings together a diverse group of eight state and local elected officials dedicated to advising and amplifying the growth, programming, outreach, and development of elected officials within the NAL network. The members of its 2024 cohort include:
- – Ohio State Representative Munira Abdullahi
- – Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat
- – Cheverly, Maryland Vice Mayor and Ward 6 Councilmember Amy Jean Chung Fry
- – President of the Aurora, Colorado Public Schools Board of Education Dr. Anne Keke
- – Georgia State Representative Marvin Lim
- – Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed
- – Arizona State Representative Analise Ortiz
- – Nevada State Assemblymember Selena Torres
“The Elected Advisory Council was created as a way to realize our democracy’s promise of being of, for, and by all people by bringing together immigrant elected officials who use their unique identities and experiences to strengthen our democracy,” said Ghida Dagher, President and CEO of New American Leaders. “Our 2024 members bring their lived experiences as immigrants and people of color into the policy making process and lead with a community-centered framework. New American Leaders proudly brings them together as members of the Elected Advisory Council to pool their expertise, share what they see in their communities, and find solutions to the systemic barriers that prevent our communities and our country from reaching their full potential.”
Representing seven states, including swing states like Arizona, Michigan, and Georgia, the newest members of the Elected Advisory Council (EAC) will serve through the end of the year and will provide insights into current events, campaign updates, legislative developments, and policy priorities, informing NAL’s programming curriculum.
“As a second-generation Korean American, I understand the importance of having immigrants represented in decision-making. When people from diverse backgrounds come together, we can better advocate for the needs of the community,” shared Amy Jean Chung Fry, one of the new Elected Advisory Council Members and the Vice Mayor and Ward 6 Council Member for Cheverly, Maryland. “As someone who is a ‘first’ in my role, I know my legacy must ensure that I am not the last. We need more representation from first and second generation communities so I challenge you to ask yourself: ‘Why not you?’”
“America is better when everyone’s voice is at the table, and NAL’s mission helps to make that a reality,” said Elected Advisory Council Member and Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat. “NAL has created a substantial impact by giving people the tools and skills they need to run a successful campaign and serve as effective leaders. I’m honored to have the opportunity to sit on a council that will help prepare the next cohort of New American Leaders.”
In addition to supporting the organization’s priorities, members of the Elected Advisory Council will also strengthen connections with state and regional partners, funders, and potential trainees, and will promote and engage in key NAL events, helping to build a robust pipeline of candidates and campaign staff. Additionally, Council members will act as spokespeople for NAL, enhancing its presence and credibility.
“I am thrilled to join the New American Leaders Advisory Council and look forward to collaborating with this remarkable organization and dedicated individuals across the country,” Elected Advisory Council Member and Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed shared. “Together, we will work towards a democracy that truly represents and serves all of us.”
“I am very excited to be part of our Elected Advisory Council because I have an opportunity to pay it forward in a different capacity with an organization that provided me with tools and tips and ideas as an immigrant to run for office and have supported me while I was running,” said Dr. Anne Keke, an Elected Advisory Council Member and the President of the Aurora, Colorado Public School Board of Education.
“New American Leaders provides invaluable training, mentorship, and opportunities for candidates who reflect the future of a strong, multi-racial democracy,” Arizona State Representative Analise Ortiz shared. “I am thrilled to join the Elected Advisory Council to assist with this important work.”
This cohort of the Elected Advisory Council draws from New American Leaders’ deep roots in immigrant communities across the country and includes members who have been directly supported through NAL’s training programs, coaching, or the endorsement of its sister organization, New American Leaders Action Fund.
“When I was a candidate in 2019, I attended a NAL conference and helped me understand how my experience, as the daughter of an immigrant, positively informed my leadership in my community. Since then, I have attended several NAL events and I have had the opportunity to encourage other New Americans to run for office and work on campaigns,” shared new Elected Advisory Council Member and Nevada State Assemblymember Selena Torres. “In my role on the EAC, I look forward to providing feedback on how to strengthen the organization’s leadership development for current and future elected officials.”
“I adore NAL and am eager to serve our mutual goals in this new capacity!” NAL alum, mentor, Elected Advisory Council Member and Georgia State Representative Marvin Lim stated.
“NAL has been a critical part of my journey as an elected official, so I am excited to be able to serve and provide that same experience to others,” said NAL alum, Elected Advisory Council Member, and Ohio State Representative Munira Abdullahi.
This is the second cohort of the Elected Advisory Council with previous members including Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani, Georgia State Representative Sam Park, and current Arizona Congressional candidate Raquel Terán.
For more information about the council or to interview any of the members, please contact New American Leaders directly at media@newamericanleaders.org.