Author: Laleh Ispahani

Laleh Ispahani is the executive director of Open Society-U.S., the U.S. component of the Open Society Foundations, a foundation dedicated to advancing justice, democratic governance, and human rights in the United States and globally. At Open Society, she oversees substantial investments aimed at advancing racial equality, inclusive democracy, and combatting hate in the U.S. She has special expertise in protecting and expanding the right to vote, ensuring that the internet remains an open and secure platform for free expression and civic participation, and democracy promotion. These days, she is heavily focused on work that protects the right to abortion and fights corporate consolidation of media and data. She lives in New York City with her delightful daughter.

Why I Want to Build a Better Democracy

As a young girl in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Iran, I never expected to be fighting for democracy in the United States.

We are linguistic and ethnic strangers, yet we are family and are at home in the United States. And we are one among many here. That spirit of welcome is the spirit that should propel us toward the new democracy we want—and need. It’s what should animate us as we build a new democracy that we can all call home.