BARBARA FOUSHEE

INTERVIEW BY TAEGAN MULLANE

Photographed by Braxton Foushee

BARABARA FOUSHEE, TOWN OF CARRBORO COUNCILMEMBER AND MAYOR PRO TEM

On her place of special meaning- My place of special meaning is First Baptist Church of Chapel Hill, where I’m a member. I started going there with my late mother probably 20 plus years ago. I really find a lot of guidance, strength, and fellowship with my church family as I navigate this world in various positions, not only as a leader in my community, but also a leader in other organizations. It can be pretty overwhelming to just be these days, you don’t have to be serving as an elected official or anything like that. It can be overwhelming just to be. But, my faith in God is what drives my very existence and my being.

“Whatcha gonna do about it? Wanna talk about it or are you gonna do something about it?”

On being a black elected official- As a woman of color and the only person of color on the council, a lot of times I lead the conversations and then there are other times I’m bringing in separate experiences into the conversation that nobody else has. I’m the only black person at the table and am coming in to talk about that. Everybody knows it and nobody in that room can share that experience I have these same conversations at every table I sit at. Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, race, racism, white supremacy, Jim Crow, dismantle it, today. I have these same conversations every day and it’s really exhausting.

“People don’t always understand and process information the same… we need to be willing to acknowledge those differences and meet every community where they are.”

REGINA YOUNG

INTERVIEW BY CAITLIN MULDOWNEY AND MYKIRAH RUSSELL-HOPSON

Photographed by Caitlin Muldowney.

REGINA YOUNG, PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 185

Why She Ran: What motivated me to run for office as State Representative is simply the fact that I needed to see my community in a better space economically, developmentally, culturally, educationally, and I believe that I was the best person to see that progress.

On Being Underestimated Due to Race or Gender: I’m pretty sure negativity was out there, but what helped me win this race was simply the fact that I focused on me and what I’m able to do, and not so much on what other people were telling me they thought I could do.

“I don’t need you to write my story, I write my own story”

— Regina Young

ARIDIA ESPINAL

INTERVIEW BY ANIKA KALRA

Photographed by Zuleyma Peña.

ARI ESPINAL, NYS ASSEMBLYWOMAN, DISTRICT 39

“We always have to see what’s around a corner, not just what’s in front of us.”

First Political Act: I was about 13 years old and I don't think I was even able to run petitions or carry petitions … and it comes back to Franscisco [Moya]. He was running for office at that point and he was so passionate. He ran for office for the first time because of his values and what he cared about—Corona or Jackson Heights or Elmhurst— and because he loved his neighborhood. And he wanted to bring back resources… If you're from a community and you're from the neighborhood, you see it very differently. All those resources that you could bring back to the district [are] more personal at this point…. That was a defining moment for me, because I carried his positions and I saw how passionate he was about it. So, it made me want to be passionate about something too. It made me want to be in the train station and give out flyers… And then when I saw that a change can happen…and saw how in poor communities or in disenfranchised communities, what a difference of knocking on the door or just educating about the process can do in an electorate level— to me at 13, I was like, this is what I want to do.

Advice for Other Women: What I would say to other women of color and just women in general, right, because we have to start from there and then to top it off, if you’re a woman of color, then you even have more targets in your back… I would say just keep running, no matter where, no matter how many times you're going to trip and fall, nothing is impossible. You risk everything and lose nothing at all. You know, you could, and that's important because how would you know, if you haven't done it? Losing, winning, campaigning, knocking on doors, being fearful of it all. It's all up for grabs. So at this point, I say run, run, run as far as you can, because the worst thing that you could hear is a no. And that's not scary, right? It's scary because we never put ourselves in this position. And especially if you are a woman of color, it becomes a little bit more difficult, but that's when we all need to start sticking together and say we could do it.

“Being you is the biggest ally you have.”

MELANIE LEVESQUE

INTERVIEW BY MADELINE ELKES

Photographed by Katrina Hajagos

MELANIE LEVESQUE, NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 12

Place of Special Meaning: I chose this place because this is where I grew up, this is where I learned about community. All of the lessons that I had that were given to me by my mom, who passed away at 47, I got from this home, so I carry all of that with me.

Why she ran : I originally ran for office because I felt that being a state representative was a way to help not just my community but all people in New Hampshire. Whether it’s about education whether it’s about healthcare, I was able to make a bigger impact. I also felt that there were people who did not represent my point of view. If we're going to do anything about that, we have to run for office. 

“I also felt that there were people who did not represent my point of view. If we’re going to anything about that, we have to run for office.”

How her personal story affected her campaign : Growing up, my mom was a single mother who raised six kids, and we saw what it was like not to have a lot, yet when my mom and dad were married, we saw what life was like when it was good, so I’ve seen both. My mom died of colon cancer, and today that’s treatable, so that was a major driver for me, was to make sure that everybody had healthcare, preventative care, so that they could ward off these critical diseases like colon cancer.

ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

INTERVIEW BY EVELYN SMYTH

Photograph provided by the Washingtonian

ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, REPRESENTATIVE IN THE DC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

On her identity: As an African American in a city with many African Americans you must be cognizant of the fact that there are many whites as well, so it is best in running in a place like the district to indicate what you think you can bring for your district. My own background in the Civil Rights Movement and as a feminist spoke for itself, so I didn’t believe I had to run on my identity as an African American or as a woman. That background was all apart of what people put together with other matters to decide whether or not to vote for me.

On owning confidence: It takes a certain amount of confidence in yourself to put yourself out there and say “vote for me.” It means you’re going to get the kind of scrutiny you’ve never received before. You have to be pretty sure of one’s self and understand that you don’t run against yourself, someone runs against you. Therefore you have got to be prepared to show not only that you are up for the job but that you are more up for the job than others who might want it.

Goal setting: Who encouraged me to run was Donna Brazile. She said if you run I will be your campaign manager and she’s a political operative that anyone would want to have. I have always had goals when I’ve wanted to do something, and I fulfilled that goal this year. And that is I was able to get Congress to pass a DC Statehood bill. I’ve been trying to get that ever since I came to Congress and actually got a vote on statehood my very first term. So goal setting is a part of the process of running for office.

ADRIENNE A. JONES

INTERVIEW BY SOPHIE LOVERING.

Photograph provided by the Washington Post.

ADRIENNE A. JONES, SPEAKER OF THE MARYLAND HOUSE OF DELEGATES

On her place of special meaning: When I became Speaker, the first session was January of 2019. February tenth, we dedicated the former House Chamber, which was the place where slavery was abolished in Maryland back in 1864, and we had the Harriet Tubman statue. We dedicated it February tenth, so about a month after I became the first African American woman speaker. So, it has some historical significance with me being the first, historical significance to Harriet Tubman in terms of what she had achieved, and the fact that it was in the former House Chamber which is not too far from our existing one. So the parallels in terms of the history and time, I thought that was significant.

“[Shirley Chisholm] had many expressions, but a lot of times people remember: ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.’”

On entering politics: I’m what I call an accidental politician—I don’t like the word politician—elected official. I started as a member of the Democratic Central Committee. Just like a lot of women, I also helped in everybody else’s campaign. By being on the Central Committee, when one of the delegates in the tenth legislative district passed away, I was asked to apply for her seat…it wasn’t actually that I sought it. And this is the message that I give to young ladies, and young boys too: you never know when circumstances present themselves. I had no idea, but I knew I liked public service…the second would be, I would say: you never know who is watching you.

“I try to give people the best fit so they can be successful, in terms of our members.”

MARGARITA GUZMAN

INTERVIEW BY SARAH DECARO-RINCON.

Photographed by Sarah DeCaro-Rincon

MARGARITA GUZMAN, COMMISSIONER OF WEST NEW YORK, NJ

“Recognize women in all capacities.”

Her advice to newcomers: My advice to newcomers will be to look within and if you have the desire to serve, then you have one of the most important characteristics that any leader should have. I really encourage other women to run for office, we can make a big difference. Look for the betterment of others, or those that are in your community. You have to have in mind that many times, you have to sacrifice your own private life and time to be accessible for others.

“I speak to the need for diversity, and inclusion within our system of government.”

Goals she has as a Commissioner: One of my goals is to work towards having people more involved and know the influence that they can have in their community. Our next big project is to create a state-of-the-art library for our children. I know education is the key to success and we must provide resources for them in a big scale, and provide with the best resources with can with them. Because they deserve it.

Her first experience voting: My first experience voting was in my own country Dominican Republic during a time that there was a lot of violence and crisis. I felt proud to exercise my civic duty to participate in democracy and vote for my ideals and my fellow citizens. I remember today when I had to vote and with my vote I think I changed the course of the politics in my country. I was so happy that day. I have always had a profound respect for the democratic institutions and the belief in a united country where everyone has the capacity to make their voice heard and to enact changes. And I am on this day very happy that my first time involved in the political process helped to enact that change in my country.

MICHELLE COOPER KELLY

INTERVIEW BY ANGELISE RIVERA.

Photograph provided by Daemon Baizan.

MICHELLE COOPER KELLY, MARIETTA CITY COUNCILWOMAN, WARD 6

On her place of special meaning: One of my first projects as Chair of the Marietta Parks, Recreation and Tourism Committee was the Elizabeth Porter Park. This site holds a special significance for Marietta City and Baptist Town residents. Prior to this use, the site was originally developed in the 1940s as the Cobb Cooperative Negro Hospital. A group of private citizens raised funds to ensure adequate medical services could be available for African American residents across Cobb County during segregation. After its closure in 1950, the site continued to serve generations of neighborhood residents as the Montgomery Street Recreation Center, teen Canteen, and Elizabeth Porter Recreation Center. I wanted to ensure the preservation of this history.  

“I find that we are a lot similar than we are different.”

On her firsts while in office: I’m the first African American female to get elected to the city council in Marietta in 2013. It is amazing but to say that we’re still making firsts in the 2000 century, I wish we were a little bit further along. Having said that, making history in a city that I’m not from speaks volumes because there has been a lot of people who’ve paved the way for me to be able to take claim to that history. Since then, we have elected two additional African Americans to the Marietta City Council, and I think that’s important because our council now reflects a community that we serve. So, you’ve got diversity of thought and different perspectives and I think that’s what diversity brings.

JUANITA BRENT

INTERVIEW BY ELLIE BROEREN

Photographed by P. Robert Broeren Jr.

JUANITA BRENT, OHIO STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 12

Her place of special meaning:  My place of special meaning is definitely the floor of the Ohio House, and the reason why it is so special to me is because it lets me know where I belong, and that’s representing all 135,000 people that live in my district.

Greatest barrier for women to healthcare: Not being heard. I talk to so many women who have had complications, particularly with maternal morbidity, and that means you have problems within a year of having a baby. People were not being heard when they said they had a pain, or they experienced certain things, people did not take them seriously. You have to trust women, you have to trust Black women, to their bodies, if they have concerns. 

TRACY GANT

INTERVIEW BY NATALIE TRAN.

Photograph provided by Rodney Barnes.

TRACY GANT, MAYOR OF EDMONSTON, MARYLAND

On her place of special meaning: If I can be part of a positive outcome for someone, then I’ve done my job. That is seriously from the heart. I want to be part of a positive outcome in your life. I do have a huge passion — a burning passion — to serve and a burning passion for Edmonston. I am in love with Edmonston. Maybe it’s the years, maybe it’s where I started. I absolutely love Edmonston. I love how we developed and I’m excited about where we could go.

“If your friends do not vote, then they’re not really your friends.”

On her faith: I am a spiritual woman. Not everyone believes in God, but for those who do, it is very important to maintain that relationship and that spiritual life because that’s one of the things that does keep you grounded. It does guide you and it does give you wisdom. It teaches you to love and how to treat people.

JULIA RUEDAS

Interview by Cathleen Huang.

Photograph provided by Julia Ruedas.

JULIA RUEDAS, EL MONTE CITY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

Her place of special meaning: Main Street in the city of El Monte, formerly known as the Valley Mall. This is a very special and meaningful place to me. I am a lifelong resident of the city of El Monte. My parents owned a furniture business for over two decades at the Valley Mall. My childhood years were spent at the Valley Mall. Thanks to this opportunity that my parents provided, I learned many of the skills that continue to be helpful in my career.

Her first political act: I first began to get involved as a public health advocate. I was given the opportunity to partner with a Public Health organization to promote health awareness in the city of El Monte. I was solely handed the opportunity and trust to empower, and educate our residents on healthy lifestyles, including to maximize our efforts to prevent childhood obesity as this leads to major health issues and heart deficiencies. 

Advice for women who are thinking of running for office: You have what it takes! No matter the career you choose because those skills will prepare you to be the leader and voice of those that can’t be heard. Get involved in your community. Build relationships and network with people who might have the same interests as you and also learn from those that might not. 

What inspired her to run for office: I am a proud resident of our friendly city of El Monte for 39 years. I’m the product of our locals schools. To run for office and to serve our children and families of the city of El Monte is more than giving back, it’s a “Thank You,” to the community that raised me. 

RHONDA FIELDS

INTERVIEW BY SIMI KOLODKA.

Photograph provided by Katrina Hajagos.

RHONDA FIELDS, COLORADO STATE SENATOR, CO 29TH DISTRICT

On the lack of representation in politics: We just need to have more women at the table. We need more diversity at the table. I serve at the State Capitol and I’m not seeing enough women emerge at powerful positions within the State Capitol. I think it’s time that we trust black women to emerge in these powerful positions- not just in the state government…. but also as CEO’s. We just don’t see enough of those examples so that black girls, and latino girls, and Indigenous girls can see themselves as taking on that role.

On her place of special meaning: My safe, physical space is always home. Home is where I feel the most comfortable at. I have access to my refrigerator, access to my couch where I can watch TV, and I have access to my backyard where I can do a little grilling on my patio. And most of all, I have access to my neighbors and my friends.

On the issue of race in 2020: In my lifetime, in 2020, I never could have imaged the kind of assault that I am seeing on poor people, on people of color, and on our immigrant communities. Where we are separating immigrant families and putting their children in cages… and some of them never get to reconnect with their families. It’s just the sense of cruelty and the assault on people of color… it’s unsettling. I thought we were moving in a direction where all of us would be judged not based on our gender, or sexuality, or the color of our skin, or our religion- but on the content of our character, as Martin Luther King said it. And we are still not there. We have to get there, moving forward.

BLANCA RUBIO

Interview by Cathleen Huang.

Photograph provided by the Fontana Herald News.

BLANCA RUBIO, ASSEMBLYWOMAN, CA 48TH DISTRICT

On her role models: My mom had a lot to do with my personality, and so I always look up to her and my dad. But then I've been reading Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s book, and she’s a badass. You have to say badass with her, you can’t change the vocabulary word on that one. She’s amazing, and she’s done so much, and I just hope that I can make a little bit of a difference, you know, I can never compare to her, but I think she's so amazing and has done so much for women and just in general for the United States that I think she could be considered as a role model.

On helping foster kids: Foster kids are at the forefront of my mind. I was a former teacher, and I see that our foster kids don’t get what they need, and they’re vulnerable. One of the things I don’t think is good about the foster care system is that they age out at 18, or 21, depending what the circumstances are. To say that up you’re until 18, you need help, and then all of a sudden to be like “Sorry, you’re done,” without a pathway to something: a pathway to education, a career, or a job, so they can sustain themselves. It has been really painful to see, but I’m working on that.

On combating domestic violence: My sister was a victim of domestic violence. And so when I started, I did bills here and there about domestic violence. There was an issue with a domestic violence person with a misdemeanor. Based on federal law, they’re prohibited from owning a gun, ever, after that misdemeanor. Well, in California, the ban was only for 10 years, so I wrote a bill about a lifetime ban for domestic violence misdemeanors. I got a lot of pushback from folks who were like, “well, what if they’re rehabilitated?” And I was like, “they still shouldn’t own a gun.” They talk about how the abusers have a stigma. And I’m like, “well, the victims have a lifetime of PTSD. A lifetime of scars, internal and sometimes external scars.” And so I pushed really hard for that, and I was happy to be able to pass it, and now we have a lifetime gun ban on domestic violence misdemeanors.