What a thrill it was to be at the third Democratic Debate in New Hampshire and to hear the presidential candidates share their vision for building a better and stronger future, and safe and just communities for all working people.
Even more thrilling was meeting social worker and SEIU 509 member leader Nazda Alam, who works at the Department of Children and Families in Framingham, Mass., and made her way to New Hampshire to cheer on her presidential pick, Hillary Clinton.
Nazda embodies the American Dream, having arrived from Bangladesh with her husband to the United States in 1982. She earned two master’s degrees – one in education and the other in social work after being inspired to serve children and keep them safe in the communities they live.
Not one to forget her roots — a proud Muslim — she has been actively registering people to vote. As leader of the Muslim Voter Registration Project, she wants to reach 1.5 million Muslims Americans who are not yet registered to vote. She also funds a school in Bangladesh and provides college scholarships for women in her native country.
On weekends, you will find Nazda joining fellow SEIU volunteers in Massachusetts and in other states knocking on doors for Hillary Clinton and sharing with voters why Hillary is our choice for president.
Nazda, one of 2 million SEIU members, is a part of the rich cultural heritage that makes us all proud to be a part of our SEIU family. She and millions of other immigrants who come to America from distant shores have helped build our great nation. Her leadership is central to our basic belief that when we join together, we can make the impossible possible.
What a privilege and honor it was to meet Nazda, who is in the public service of keeping our children safe. I know that in the upcoming days and months, I will meet many more like her as we move forward to 2016 and beyond.
As we get together to celebrate another year with family, friends and loved ones, I am thankful to have met Nazda and many like her who are part of our movement to build better futures for all.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
