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Na’ilah Amaru

@nailahamaru.bsky.social
571 followers 99 following 111 posts

Building grassroots power at the intersections of policy advocacy, issue campaigns, and elections. Non-profit, City Hall, statehouse, and Capitol Hill (Rep. John Lewis) alum. Iraq veteran and sweet tea snob. PhDing. nailahamaru.com

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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 9h
Excited to join the host committee for the New York State Young Democrats Women’s Caucus networking reception, focused on mentorship, connection, and leadership. Grateful to help create space for women to build relationships and support each other. #WomenInPolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Honored for the invitation to attend the Women’s Leadership reception celebrating New York’s historic all-women gubernatorial ticket with Gov. Kathy Hochul and Adrienne Adams. Grateful to connect and celebrate women’s political leadership! #womeninpolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Excited to reconnect with the ERA coalition at An Evening for Wage Justice! Grateful to work alongside partners advancing wage justice and policy change for greater economic equity, turning advocacy into meaningful change. #Advocacy #GenderEquity
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Grateful for time at the NY BIPOC Democracy Table retreat, thinking about the future we want to build. An inclusive democracy takes more than shared values; it takes shared strategy, deep relationships & coordinated action. Here's to building together! #Advocacy #Grassroots
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Always meaningful to reconnect with Ambassador Andrew Young, namesake of my policy school at Georgia State and former AG Eric Holder at #ALC55. Grateful to keep learning from leaders whose work continues to shape mine in policy and grassroots organizing. #CBCF
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Grateful to speak with Youth Talk #Democracy, a summer policy think tank for high schoolers, on how an idea becomes law. Drawing on my work in grassroots #advocacy, I'm excited to share what years of this work have taught me with a room ready to use it! #CivicEngagement
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
“She was initially viewed as this transitional figure. A man may have been considered an heir apparent, but Hochul wasn’t given that grace.” Grateful to share my thoughts with Newsday on Hochul’s historic rise to become NY’s first female governor. #WomenInPolitics www.newsday.com/news/region-...
newsday.com
How Gov. Kathy Hochul is making her case for a new term
The governor is the front-runner in her race for a second full term.
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Honored to speak at Amplify Her Foundation's inaugural Incubator on Messaging for Movement Building, exploring how emerging leaders build authentic voices that move people to act! #Advocacy #GenderJustice
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Joined The Trade-Off to discuss how communities build power beyond Election Day. Our convo ranged from how decisions get made and who influences them, to what everyday people can do to turn civic engagement into governing power. The ballot is just the beginning. #WomenInPolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness history at City Hall as the New York Knicks received the keys to the city to celebrate their first NBA Championship in 53 years. There are moments in life you never forget. For me, this is one of them. New York forever. #AlwaysKnicks
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
I was there. Game 4, rooting for my @ny-knicks.bsky.social in the Mecca. We've all been down by 29 at halftime. But we come back from scoreboards not in our favor. The clock is running & our grit & resilience grows stronger. 30+ years a fan. Still believing. New York forever. #AlwaysKnicks
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
I'm officially a published author! My section in Post-Truth Politics: A Brave New World? explores disinformation, storytelling in campaigns & building a resilient citizenry. An exciting milestone to have my work in print for the first time! #WomenInPolitics #Elections
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Honored to be named the 2026 Schneps Power List Trailblazer of the Year! This reflects the collective impact of the communities I work alongside through grassroots organizing & policy advocacy. Thank you to all my community partners — let's keep building! #WomenInPolitics #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
My first academic panel — The Fate of Progressive Governance in NYC — was part of a symposium examining urban politics, celebrating the retirement of my advisor, Dr. Mollenkopf. I discussed my dissertation on social justice coalitions and legislative change in NY! #PhDJourney
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Honored to be named to @cityandstateny.bsky.social 's inaugural Tomorrow's Leaders list. Rooted in grassroots advocacy, my political strategy centers on impact at the intersection of racial equity and gender justice. Thank you to my community partners for making this work possible. #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
I passed my doctoral prospectus defense and am officially a PhD candidate! This marks a milestone in my transition from political practitioner to political scientist. Grateful to my committee, Drs. Mollenkopf, Krinsky, and Su. Here's to the journey! #PhDJourney #WomenInPolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
The Inner Circle Dinner is always a great night, full of laughs at the shenanigans of NY's elected officials in a room full of people who keep the city moving. Excited to be back celebrating NY's fearless press corps with good jokes and great company! #WomenInPolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Honored to join Amplify Her Foundation at the Nasdaq Opening Bell ceremony, celebrating their work empowering women & girls across NYC to lead social change. Proud to have supported them for over a decade and co-designed their new incubator pilot. Investing in women’s leadership matters! #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Crossed Edmund Pettus Bridge during Selma Jubilee for the first time since 2019, when I walked it alongside Congressman John Lewis, my former Capitol Hill boss. For my first walk without him, I wore the “Good Trouble” shirt from our last staff reunion. May the torch he passed to us light our way.
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Honored to speak at CUNY Women’s Conference Week on Navigating Complexity: How Women Lead Advocacy in Uncertain Times. Looking forward to a powerful conversation about leadership, advocacy, and the strategies women use to lead social change. #Advocacy #CivicEngagement
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Honored to be recognized as the 2026 Member of the Year by the Association of Black Lobbyists and Consultants! Grateful to be part of an organization committed to service, leadership, and community impact. The roles we carry reflect where we come from and who we represent.
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Proud of these women who attended a candidate training co-hosted by @eleanorslegacyny.bsky.social + @vrlaction.bsky.social! As a national trainer for VRLA & panelist, I shared my analysis on building political infrastructure to sustain Democratic wins in 2026 & supporting women running for office.
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
I joined PBS’s To the Contrary as a panelist to examine how weight-loss drugs and AI-generated media are reshaping culture and credibility, raising key questions about regulation, influence, and accountability. #WomenInPolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Grateful for the invitation to attend Governor Hochul’s State of the State address, outlining New York’s priorities for the year ahead. Looking forward to continued collaboration with government partners and advocates to advance these priorities statewide! #WomenInPolitics #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
I joined To the Contrary to discuss how gender bias shapes visibility and leadership, from women adopting more masculine profiles on LinkedIn, to the debate over a female UN Secretary-General. Thankful for the opportunity to be part of this timely conversation. #WomenInPolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Grateful for the invitation to attend Governor Hochul’s announcement of the 2-Care child care initiative. Expanding access to free child care is economic justice, and I look forward to partnering with elected officials and community leaders to support working families! #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Honored for the invitation to attend Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral inauguration. Being present for this historic event reflected the impact of collective effort. Grateful to be part of a defining moment in New York City history. #Advocacy #CivicEngagement
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Grateful to be named a Responsible 100 honoree by @cityandstateny.bsky.social To me, social responsibility means using power & position to close the gap between intention & impact. Thank you to everyone I work with to build a better New York. #Advocacy #Responsible100
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Graduation day with justice-impacted participants of POWER, a pilot program of College & Community Fellowship, where I served as workshop developer and facilitator, leading a series of trainings on advocacy and organizing. Honored to celebrate their leadership! #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
In @citylimitsnews.bsky.social , I examine what comes after New York’s 2025 election mandate. Without sustained civic infrastructure, even historic mandates struggle to become durable policy change. citylimits.org/opinion-what... #CivicEngagement
citylimits.org
Opinion: What Mamdani's Election Reveals About New York's Civic Capacity - City Limits
"The city has civic assets in its neighborhoods, community organizations, and engaged residents. What it lacks is a civic foundation built to the scale of this political moment."
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Celebrating 10 years of @powherny.bsky.social, a statewide coalition advancing economic justice for women. Honored to partner with incredible advocates in our shared fight for #GenderEquity and grateful to Beverly Neufeld for her vision in building this powerful movement!
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Honored to be named a 2025 Nonprofit Power Player by PoliticsNY and AM New York for my impact through issue campaigns and grassroots advocacy. Grateful for the community-driven work and to the advocates, organizers, and electeds I build with every day! #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Honored to co-create and announce the Amplify Her Foundation Incubator Pilot at the 2025 GlassBreaker Awards! This 6-month program helps women turn bold, community-rooted ideas into action through mentorship and structured learning. Apply here: amplifyherfoundation.org/incubator #CivicEngagement
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
My @nydailynews.com op-ed highlights a hard truth: gratitude for veterans means nothing if we dismantle the programs that ensure equity and access to care. As a woman combat veteran, I know DEI is how we honor service in full. #VeteransDay
nydailynews.com
To really honor veterans, stop dismantling DEI
Every Veterans Day, America says “thank you for your service,” patriotic photos fill social media, and flags wave at parades. But as a female combat veteran who served in Iraq as an Army ammunition…
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
I shared insights on the “Civic Engagement as Resistance” panel about how women of color drive collective progress as change agents, and the need to sustain civic momentum beyond elections. Grateful to build with incredible advocates doing this work. #SOMOS #CivicEngagement
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
I had a great time on ABC’s News Breakfast discussing what Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory signals about New York City’s evolving political dynamics and the strategic lessons his campaign offers. #WomenInPolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Honored to join this year’s Top Lobbyists honorees in Washington, D.C. with the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics—grateful to be recognized for my work on issue campaigns alongside advocates driving change from the ground up. #WomenInPolitics #NILETopLobbyist
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
I moved to NYC the same year Humans of New York started, and Dear New York was a full-circle moment in my own journey as a New Yorker, reflecting how the city and its people shape each other. #HONY #DearNewYork
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Honored to be named one of the Top 100 Lobbyists nationwide by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics for my impact through grassroots advocacy & issue campaigns. Grateful to build collective power with fellow advocates every day. #WomenInPolitics #NILETopLobbyist
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Next week, join us for a Civics Game Night! I’ll be explaining the NYC ballot initiatives with Citizen Action of NY as the BIPOC Democracy Table teams up with Eta Nu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho for games, prizes, and the mayoral debate. #CivicEngagement #NYCVotes
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
On PBS’s To the Contrary, I discussed how technology & culture are reshaping conversations about accountability & human rights. These debates challenge us to think critically about the values guiding innovation and its impact on society. #WomenInPolitics #TechAndSociety
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Had a great time at the #ALC54, where community power meets policy. Honored to work alongside leaders like CBC Chair @repyvetteclarke.bsky.social on behalf of our communities. #Advocacy #WomenInPolitics
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Honored to serve as a featured speaker at the launch of P.O.W.E.R., celebrating the inaugural cohort. I shared lessons from years of advocacy to support justice-impacted women in building community power for social change. Their commitment is an inspiration! #WomenInPolitics #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Always enjoy the Bronx County Dinner, where community advocates are recognized for their impact. Grateful to connect with leaders across NY, including Governor Kathy Hochul, and to celebrate advocacy shaping our future. #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
On Capitol Hill for the League of Women Voters’ “Cultivating Champions for Democracy” reception. Defending democracy takes collective action and resolve. Grateful to help lead work protecting voting rights and strengthening our institutions. #Advocacy #Democracy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Honored to share advice with new students at @huntercollege.bsky.social during Fall Welcome! Beginnings may feel uncertain, but they also open doors to growth and possibility. Explore what matters to you and create the change you want to see. #AlumniAdvice
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Grateful to attend Governor Hochul’s briefing on proposed federal funding cuts. Nearly $13B in healthcare, coverage for 1.5M New Yorkers, and SNAP for 300K households are at risk. Protecting health care and food security is essential for families across our state. #Advocacy
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
"Na’ilah, walk with the wind and let the spirit of history be your guide. Don’t be afraid to get in the way.” – John Lewis Five years since his passing, I still carry his lessons on integrity, dignity & faith on the battlefield of politics. Here’s to causing #goodtrouble.
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
“Campaigns that rely too heavily on past voting patterns miss entire groups of emerging voters.” Mamdani’s campaign underscores why engaging overlooked voters matters. Democrats must prioritize expanding the electoral coalition. scroll.in/article/1083...
scroll.in
Can Zohran Mamdani’s win help the beleaguered Democratic Party find a new roadmap?
His success provides evidence that the brand of democratic socialism advanced by his wing of the party can attract diverse voters.
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Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Honored to join PBS’s To the Contrary to discuss rising political violence and shifting views on women’s roles, both revealing deeper changes in power and democracy. These conversations matter. #WomenInPolitics
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