Refusing to Play Small: A Bold Vision for Our Communities

Sep 16

When I stepped into a room filled with community leaders, nonprofit CEOs, and public servants I admire, I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about us. It’s about the people who wake up every day fighting for children, families, and neighborhoods across Illinois.

I carry my father’s story with me everywhere I go. He came here as a refugee, worked long hours, and built a life for our family. From him, I learned what grit and sacrifice look like. That foundation is why I chose to become a social worker, why I built a nonprofit that gave more young people a safe home and a fighting chance, and why I stepped up to serve as Village Trustee.

But I also know this fight is bigger than personal stories. It’s about families who feel priced out of their neighborhoods, women whose rights are under attack, kids who fear gun violence more than they look forward to school, and workers who feel left behind while corporations thrive. These are not abstract issues—they are lived realities in our communities.

That’s why I’m running for State Senate. Because Illinois needs leaders who won’t play small. Leaders who will fight for:

An economy that works for working families, not just the wealthy.
Affordable housing and safe communities, built on smart and inclusive development.
Strong supports for children and families—from foster care to early childhood education.
Fully funded public schools and mental health supports for our kids.
Healthcare access that includes mental health, reproductive rights, and dignity for all.
Justice reform and immigrant protections that uphold our values of fairness and inclusion.
Climate action that safeguards our environment while creating good union jobs.
Transparent, accountable government that listens to every community.

This campaign is about power—our power. The power of people who are tired of being underestimated. The power of women who refuse to “wait their turn.” The power of communities like ours who know that when we come together, we cannot be stopped.

I’m not running to be quiet. I’m running to be bold, relentless, and unafraid to demand better. Because when we win, Illinois families win.