My family first came to Brooklyn fleeing tyranny, oppression, and violence. I think that’s why public service is my core value and why I’ve always been so passionate about defending democracy, speaking out against racism and bigotry, and finding real solutions to the problems we face today. I’m raising my own family here in Brooklyn because I love our progressivism, our diversity, and the dream that Brooklyn represents.

I am currently a Senior Research Fellow and Manager at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU. I work on combatting political violence, getting big money out of politics, and making legislatures more effectively and responsively engage with those they serve. I hold a PhD in political science and have taught undergraduate and graduate political science courses. I teach students that they should think critically about our political system and be an active part of shaping it. My book “Inside Congressional Committees" , explores our legislative system and how to make it more representative and functional. My work and commentary has appeared in the Washington Post, NPR, MSNBC, Newsweek, CSPAN, The Hill, Slate, The New York Times, and other outlets.

I’ve previously worked on peace building in the Middle East for the United Nations Development Program. I speak Arabic, Hebrew, and Spanish, which has helped me bring together different communities as an advocate. I’ve also dedicated myself to local activism. (Before launching my own campaign) I spent weekends campaigning for Democratic candidates and progressive causes at our farmers markets and subway stations and knocking on doors.

I love being an active member of local political clubs, the food coop, and other groups that bring together the community in this wonderful district. I believe that community starts with family, those we are born into and those we create. In October 2024, I became a mom to our beautiful baby boy Liam. My spouse and I love being parents and connecting with other parents and families in the district. I am a sister, daughter, spouse, friend, and ally and I am proud to add the role of “mom.”

As progressive Democrats we believe in making government work for everyone. That means not just talking about things like protecting our democracy, fighting government corruption, or affordable housing and the cost of living, but actually delivering. I’m running to represent District 39 in the City Council to do exactly that.