“It’s important we have people in office that represent the most marginalized since they typically are the ones who will experience the most consequences.”
Ahead of the November 8th election, Emerge asked our alums to answer some questions about the changes they’re seeking to make in elected office, their experiences running for office in a post-Roe America, and the effects women of the New American Majority are facing in light of the Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
You can learn more about Erica here.
1. Tell us about yourself! Where are you from? What position are you running for?
I am proud to be a first-generation college graduate, the daughter of a Filipino immigrant, an educator/non-profit founder, and a military spouse. I went to seven different schools growing up and intimately understand systemic and structural inequities that face families working multiple jobs to reach economic stability. I came to Las Vegas after graduating from Boston University to become a teacher and for the past 14 years have been working in education to empower students like me and parents like mine to have an equitable opportunity to succeed. I am running for the Nevada State Legislature to bring a pragmatic voice of someone who understands a budget as a non-profit founder and former executive, but also never forgets where she comes from and the family, culture, and community that shaped my values.
2. Why did you decide to step forward and run for this office?
I decided to step forward and run for office because I have been doing grassroots work in the community for over a decade. I am running to see if changing systems and structures can lead to change at scale for those who need it the most. If I win, I will also be the first Filipina to serve in the NV State Legislature and know representation is important for younger generations to believe and see what is possible.
3. What would you say inspires you every day in your campaign? Where do you take motivation from?
I’m inspired every day by the young people who walk in 110+ degree heat to donate $14 to my campaign even while being full-time students. I am running for office to prove people like us can and should be in positions of power. I am proud of our community-based campaign because my life motivation is to empower diverse leaders to be the change from the community, for the community.
4. If elected, what would be some of the major priorities that you are hoping to bring to the table?
I am going to be a legislator who considers each side and does the research to understand issues. I hope to work on education issues such as licensure, pipeline, and diversity as well as higher education access and success, however, I understand a state legislator must understand issues beyond their expertise area and I look forward to supporting policies that help all community members reach a destination that matters to them.
5. By 2045, the country will no longer be majority white, and women from the New American Majority (NAM) – Black, Brown, and Indigenous women and women of color, LGBTQ+ women, young women, and unmarried women – will be taking their seats at every decision-making table. How can we support more NAM women in their run for public office during this challenging time when reproductive and so many rights are at stake? Why is it critical that we elect more NAM women at this moment?
We can support more NAM women by first doing exactly what Emerge is doing and recognizing and supporting the need for leadership from those who have experienced the injustice they are trying to solve. We must have pipeline programs from every level: prospecting, recruitment, training, campaigning, and legislating effectively to succession planning. We will only succeed with an organized and mission-driven purpose shared by all. It’s critical we elect more NAM women because they have both the personal and professional experience fighting against inequities and will have the empathy and pragmatism to make a difference at scale.
6. In 2019, Nevada became the first in the nation to have a majority-woman state legislature. If elected, you will become the first Filipina to serve in the space. Why is it important for our decision-making bodies to have equitable representation during this critical time?
I always share that growing up Barbie did not look like me and I never had an AAPI teacher in my entire K-12 education career. How can our young people see the leadership we tell them to work for and that they can attain if we offer them no proof points of possibility? It’s important for all groups to have equitable representation in positions of power so voices are heard and valued. The consequences on their lives are the foundation and not just a consideration or afterthought.
7. Republicans currently hold a majority in the number of state legislatures they control. Why is it critical that we flip state legislatures to ensure Democratic women have representation?
Though I am a pragmatic person who will work with others to achieve equity at scale, I know it’s important across the country that legislatures reflect the will of their actual communities. It’s important we have people in office that represent the most marginalized since they typically are the ones who will experience the most consequences.
8. What’s coming up next for you? Is there anything our readers should keep in mind?
Canvassing, phone banking, and fundraising up to election day on November 8th are all that are coming up for me! Please learn more and consider supporting at ericamosca.com. Thank you!