Training and Experience
Founding Member & Campaign Manager Project Sakinah Feb 09- Oct. 14
Volunteer/Community Service
Founder & Executive Director MY Project USA Inc. 2014 - Present
In Washington, I will fight for social, economic and environmental justice. Public education, workforce development, employment, women’s reproductive rights, healthcare for all, common-sense gun control, fiscal accountability, building safe neighborhoods, transportation and infrastructure to boost rural economy, holistic immigration reforms, national security and a pro-justice foreign policy will be my top priorities.
As a small business owner and a nonprofit leader, I have already achieved many of the above at smaller levels over the years. As a Congresswoman, I will work with my constituents, experts, and colleagues from across the aisle to support policies and laws that would make all of the above happen.
I support the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I believe it is the government's job to provide every American equal access to the ballot box. I am committed to address any attempts to reduce that access and to simplifying the voting process for all Americans.
I will also fight to reshape the way the election campaigns are financed. I believe that Citizen United was a blow to democracy that gave too much power to wealthy political donors, companies and entities and has resulted in the political dysfunction in our society. I will work hard for campaign finance reform. I support small donor public financing nationwide. The integrity of our democratic process demands nothing less.
As an immigrant, I understand the struggle of those who wait for years to reunite with their families legally. I am also aware of the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants within our communities and the plight of those at our borders fleeing from oppression and violence.
I propose to implement strategic and comprehensive reforms that will expedite the process of legal immigration, pave a clear roadmap to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and DREAMers, enhance the efficiency of our asylum system, and address other critical aspects of immigration. I am committed to ensuring a balanced approach that safeguards both our national security and the values upon which this nation was founded. These policies will also bolster economy.
For the sake of the security and safety of the United States and its citizens, I would like to advocate for a pro-justice foreign policy that would:
- restrict US military intervention in foreign affairs except as last resort measures to protect the United States and US citizens,
- restrict funding and weapon sales to any foreign government or entity suspected of human rights violations and violations of international law,
- protect the freedom of speech in the United States regarding any local or foreign matters, without any government interference,
-provide aid to those who need it around the world.
-support funding for global health and nutrition programs, refugee and disaster assistance, etc.
Climate change poses a real and urgent threat to our economy, our national security, and our children’s health and futures. I am prepared to work across the aisle to support policies that ensure America’s global leadership in the battle against the climate crisis, enact serious measures being taken to stop global warming, and increase investments in renewable energy and zero-waste communities. The shift towards clean energy will also boost the economy.
We must prioritize the protection of our public lands and natural treasures. I will support targeted initiatives to protect our natural landscapes. I will advocate for increased funding in community-led initiatives, aimed at engaging and educating the wider community on environmental matters
I believe that quality healthcare is a fundamental right of every American. I am committed to preserving and protecting the Affordable Care Act. I support expanding access to care, lowering health care costs, reducing the cost of prescription drugs, and creating a public option for health insurance.
I also advocate for mental health parity and for increasing funding for mental health services and substance abuse treatments.
I believe in protecting and strengthening women’s health rights. I fully support access to reproductive health services and to safe and legal abortion when needed.
I also support investing in medical research and in the fight against diseases like cancer and Alzheimer.
The role of the government is pivotal in eradicating discrimination, harassment, and bigotry against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. It should implement comprehensive national strategies focused on equity and equality. It should also set the standard in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within its workforce. It should be dedicated to these principles and in ensuring that equality is not just a promise, but a reality for all.
Achieving these goals demands a strengthened partnership between the government and communities affected by discrimination. This collaboration is essential to produce more equitable outcomes nationwide. We must pursue complete equality for every citizen.
Training and Experience
Former teacher, coach, school board member. Current State Representative (OH-06)
Volunteer/Community Service
Hilltop Kiwanis, Veteran Advocate
We must ensure Ohioans are able to compete in today’s modern global economy. Good jobs need investment in people from higher education to trade careers. This means investment in infrastructure and incentives for businesses to create good jobs here at home.
We must ensure retirement security for all Americans. From social security to retirement plans, every American should have access to retirement security.
Healthcare must be affordable and accessible and guarantee women have the freedom to make their own health care decisions.
We must ensure that that no child’s future is determined by their Zip code.
We must end the discord and chaos of Washington politics and elect officials who will work together rather against each other.
Nothing is more fundamental to our nation than free and fair elections. We should be encouraging everyone to vote and making it easier – rather than harder to vote.
I believe in one person, one vote – not one dollar, one vote. Americans are citizens not shareholders. We need real campaign finance reform with more transparency.
Too many people shy away from seeking to run for public office because of the vast amounts of money needed to run and the ever escalating vitriol that has come to our political process. We must work to restore faith in our elections and speak out against those who want to erode faith in our electoral process for their own political purposes.
We need comprehensive immigration and border security reform and not spouting soundbites for political gain. We have a bipartisan solution. We must pass it now.
As a 28 year Veteran and Reserve Colonel, I know firsthand how the world depends on US global leadership. We are strongest when we rely on a balanced approach of diplomatic, economic, information and military instruments of national power. US foreign aid is compassionate and lifesaving, it illustrates American global leadership. Poverty, environmental degradation, anti-trafficking in persons, counter terrorism do not follow international borders, so while our leadership helps others, it also helps us here at home.
I know how critical US leadership is in standing for justice and the rule of law. US engagement is more than just aid, it is leadership on the world stage.
Now is not the time to turn our leadership over to Russia or China.
Environmental policy is about clean water, air, and a safe world to raise our children. Government leadership is a must as we know from the creation of the EPA, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act. Business and government must work together to ensure our world is clean and healthy. A healthy environment and economic development are not mutually exclusive.
Climate change is a national security issue. And combatting it is not a zero-sum game. The world is moving to modern, clean energy and we can bury our heads in the sand and buy solar panels and windmills from Germany and China, or we can lead and make them here, putting Americans to work building the future. This requires investment in people, technology, and education.
Every American should have access to affordable healthcare. That is why I am honored to have the endorsement of State Representatives like Dr. Beth Liston and Dr. Anita Somani.
We must work together and come up with a responsible, comprehensive solution that protects private providers and ensures government options for those who cannot afford, or do not have access to, a private provider.
We also must invest in prevention, R&D, and education. Healthy living healthy nutrition programs must be a key component.
We must have massive investment in drug and addiction prevention and treatment programs. Too many lives have been torn apart because of a loved one with mental health challenges and addictions cannot receive the care they need.
Discrimination is real, it is hurtful, and it is dangerous. We must continue programs that educate and enforce laws that seek to ban discrimination. We also must acknowledge and address discrimination in every form.
For example, I’ve long championed legislation to prohibit form of payment discrimination. Landlords can deny payment of rent if that payment is in the form of a government voucher. This is a modern, quiet, new form of red-lining. I will champion legislation like this on the national level, because it is the right thing to do – for everyone.
We are all in this together and public servants and politicians must lead in unifying our nation not pitting us against each other.
