Author: Ghida Dagher

Ghida Dagher is the CEO and president of New American Leaders, the only nationwide, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering first- and second-generation Americans to run for, win and lead in public and appointed office or civic leadership.

Immigrant and First-Generation Women Are Changing What Leadership Looks Like in America

Running for office in the United States has never been an even playing field. Women face steep hurdles including misogyny, difficulties raising money and building political networks, and shouldering the demands of family and work. On top of that, immigrant women often face increased barriers, contending with racism, xenophobia and constant doubts about whether they “fit the image” of a politician.

Men are usually assumed to be qualified. Women have to prove it—over and over again.

At New American Leaders, we prepare women to anticipate these double standards and to campaign with confidence and authenticity. NAL is women-led and stands as the only nonprofit, nonpartisan organization in the United States that trains and supports immigrants, children of immigrants and refugees for civic leadership or running for office.

(This essay is part of a collection presented by Ms. and the Groundswell Fund highlighting the work of Groundswell partners advancing inclusive democracy.)

Real Representation Is the Key To Protecting Our Reproductive Freedom

The overturning of Roe has sparked an avalanche of new state abortion restrictions, beginning the process of gutting reproductive healthcare access across the country. But the current situation is not just the result of a conservative Supreme Court. At the heart of this problem are legislative bodies at the local and state levels of government that are not representative of the American people. Harmful legislation—whether abortion restrictions, voter suppression or efforts to ban curricula that are inclusive of all people—often originates at the local level.

Our best (and only) shot at fighting for our civil liberties and protecting people is electing leaders to public office at the community, city and state levels who are reflective of the constituents they set out to represent.