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As a child of Ethiopian immigrants, IGNITE Minnesota Fellow Raie Gessesse saw firsthand how politics can impact people. “My life has been a product of policy decisions and always had a relationship to how political leaders have structured society,” she shares. Though she never saw herself running for office when she was younger, attending IGNITE events showed her that to make a change in her community, she had to get political. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community? Or make a change in the political process? From legislative aide to advocacy work, there are so many different ways you can work in politics. Here are some tips to help you jump-start your career in politics. 

Born in Jordan to Palestinian parents who were forced to flee their country, Ayah Ziyadeh says being an activist is in her blood. Fueled by her passion for making a difference in the world, she began participating in protests at the young age of 15 and now, at 23, she’s even more vocal about the changes that need to be made. Ayah is currently IGNITE’s Denver Fellow and has already started a career in politics, currently as a Legislative Aide to Representative Mike Weissman at the Colorado General Assembly. Despite her passion for change, she wasn’t always sure if politics was the path for her. 

With a passion for helping people tap into their hidden power, IGNITE Fellow Alicia Smith wants everyone to know that their civic engagement is crucial to the success of their community. Alicia came across IGNITE when she attended the annual Young Women Run New York conference last year. Upon hearing the call to action, she participated in a College Council hosted by the NY Fellow at the time, and was inspired to become a Fellow herself. With a bachelor’s degree in social work, Alicia wasn’t sure if the Fellowship was for her. She quickly discovered the Fellowship is for anyone who is passionate about creating change. 

“If you want to grow with others who support your personal and professional growth, and be part of an organization that’s changing the face of democracy, apply to be an IGNITE Fellow. Whether you want to be an environmentalist, or an activist, or an event planner, IGNITE will empower you to pursue these interests. IGNITE is right for so many different types of young women.” - Mary Black, IGNITE Fellow, North Carolina

Sara Guillermo is the CEO of IGNITE, bringing to the role over 15 years experience helping young women break into America’s political landscape to become leaders within their communities and beyond.

Deshani has seven years of experience in the marketing field. She has worked primarily at nonprofit organizations, ranging from public charities to educational...

Saha Salahi is serving her 2nd year as the Las Vegas Fellow.

Born and raised in Oakland, Elizabeth is an advocate for empowering women and minority communities, and is passionate about social justice. She enjoys working as part of...

 

Meet the 3rd cohort of IGNITE Fellows. Every year IGNITE recruits a cohort of diverse and passionate women in communities across America and provides them with resources, training, and networks to flex their political power and mobilize women on their campuses and in their communities to become civically engaged. Fellows serve as ambassadors for IGNITE’s mission and vision and play a valuable role in our efforts to spread a national message that it is time for young women to step into political power.