Welcome Letter from A’shanti F. Gholar, President of Emerge

  • Feb 10, 2020
  • Emerge Staff

Dear friend,

Today, it’s my great honor to officially step into the role as President of Emerge. The work this organization does is shaping the future of our country, and I could not be more proud or excited to lead it into the future.

I first became a part of the Emerge network in 2006 as a founding board member of Emerge Nevada. And over the past decade, I have watched Emerge Nevada grow into a powerhouse that has helped to transform the state’s political landscape. It has empowered Democratic women to do what at one time seemed impossible–in 2018 the Nevada State Assembly became the first majority-woman state legislature in our nation’s history. This is the power of the work Emerge does.

In recent years, women have proven time and again that if they are given the encouragement, tools and support, they will step up to run for office. We know from research that when women run they win at the same rate as men, so it’s the crucial actions of preparing them and supporting them that can make all the difference in the world. That’s the foundation of the work that Emerge does.

Women are more effective legislators. We bring more money to our districts and communities and we create bills that more positively impact the lives of those at the margins of our society. In recent years, Emerge alums have helped champion Medicare expansion in Virginia, made registering to vote easier in Colorado and made accessing birth control easier in Oregon just to name a few. This is the promise of Emerge’s vision.

Although we’ve already achieved numerous milestones in the quest to create a more representative and responsive democracy, fully realizing this country’s potential cannot be done alone. As Emerge’s political director, I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to build strong relationships with our long list of partners who are also elevating and supporting Democratic women, and I look forward to continuing our work together.

Looking into the future, Emerge will continue to grow and our sisterhood will continue to get stronger. Now more than ever before, our country is looking to Democratic women for leadership and we are prepared to answer the call.

Thank you for your continued support.

A’shanti F. Gholar
President of Emerge