I never thought I’d be in politics, it was the complete opposite of what I intended to study in college and I had zero experience, insight, or networks in that space. Being a first-generation Ethiopian/Eritrean-American Black woman, I didn’t see many folks like me in those spaces. And so I did what most young people did and disengaged — I didn’t t think my voice mattered in these processes. And then, during my first college semester at a prominent PWI in Central Texas (sic’em bears) I saw the effects of the 2016 election impact those close to me. And so I had to ask myself — when everything was on the line, why hadn’t I acted? And I realized I had become complacent with other folks doing the job I needed them to do for myself and my community. That was the catalyst for my start in civics and politics in Texas, but I wasn’t yet prepared for the navigation needed in these spaces.

Early on, I realized that even in the safest spaces I would find myself to be the only person of color, the only woman, or the only one that spoke an additional language. And so, there has always been this double-edge sword of wanting to be in more diverse and inclusive spaces but also understand that the way we make current spaces both those wonderful things is getting more folks involved in those circles. Thankfully, I have had the pleasure of working with incredibly intentional allies who have worked to make these changes in our state.

In the legislature, I remind myself everyday of the sacrifice of my parents in getting me where I am today. I carry my culture and identity on my sleeve, and being in supportive offices with committed bosses has allowed me to inform policy reforms and strategy in new ways. What I am still working to do is establish is a BIPOC mentor for myself, this would have informed me better on early career skills and been a person I knew would truly understand my experience in the legislature and I wouldn’t have to translate my reality in a different way. We are definitely getting better in this regard though and there are great folks willing able to guide young BIPOC staff along the way.

But we are still a ways away, and my advice to any young BIPOC beginning in the Texas Legislature, and in politics in general, is to never be discouraged and always know that no matter what room you find yourself in you are never alone because you are standing on the shoulders of giants who paved the way for us at the table. Be ambitious, resilient, and kind to yourself in this space because it can be daunting, thankless, and frustrating — but our purpose can drive us farther than we could ever even imagine. Your voice and opinions are valid and necessary to bring righteous change in this world, be ambitious and unapologetic in your work. And as Shirley Chisolm once said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”