Life is all about facing challenges, and Zainab Mohsini has overcome several as she campaigns to become the first ever Afghan American to be voted as a U.S. Congresswoman. Recently, the PW Perspective had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Mohsini about her journey and how she will represent the 11^th District of VA should she win the upcoming election. She discusses what it took for her to get to this point and what she has learned along the way.

Thank you so much for joining us today. What would it mean to become the first Afghan American Congresswoman in United States history?

Mohsini: “I hold many identities that are marginalized. Being someone who comes from not only a different ethnic group, but religious affiliation as a Muslim, I know what it’s like to be regarded as different overall. When it comes to the black and brown communities, many of them lack health care and the educational opportunities to succeed, not to mention that our current climate change policies are catastrophic. I think that my running for Congress is important because VA has never had a woman of color in that position. In the VA-11 District alone, 50% of the population are women, and 30% are first-generation immigrants. It’s time for representation.”

Your platform has been one of inclusion and justice for minorities. What will you do as a Congresswoman to ensure that policies regarding protection of minorities are enacted?

Mohsini: “In order to protect minorities, we must promote policies. Racial justice has been ignored until now. Racism did not start with (President) Trump or the murder of George Floyd. Our systems are racist. Black & Brown people are dying at an alarming rate. Working class tends to be people of color, and they are the ones who are at the biggest risk, especially during a pandemic. We need to continue to put policies in place that will take care of them.”

Speaking of which, you come from a working-class background. How were you able to overcome such great obstacles and become a leader in the community, and now running for Congress?

Mohsini: “What I value most coming from a working-class background is because I understand what they (the working class) are going through. My life experience made me more resilient. It has always been about overcoming the odds. I have the same human rights as others to healthcare and housing. We need more empathy from those in positions of power to care, and that is what I will be able to provide.”

Throughout your campaign you have consistently listened to, and worked with, the youth to understand their issues. How important is it that they are heard, especially during this current climate?

Mohsini: “The youth absolutely do matter! Our voices are powerful. Revolutions are started by the young, as they are the ones who have brought change. I am hopeful to see them come together and demand change. These policies that have been in place for too long have impacted them the most. Our futures matter.”

Education is a topic that is important to you. What can be done to protect our students and support our teachers?

Mohsini: “Education is incredibly important. Paying teachers higher salaries. I strive for ‘educational equity,’ and we need to course correct for generations. Only 8% of federal money is being invested into schools. We need to provide for a level playing field. When we provide a level playing field, everyone benefits. As a society if we want to grow, we need to make education a priority.”

Just one final question. As you get ready for (the primaries on June 23) next week, you understand the diverse needs of Virginians. What message would you like to share with the Commonwealth voters?

Mohsini: “As a Virginian for 14 years I have been a part of this experience as a low-income student, and now I get the opportunity to stand for them in Congress. These issues we are dealing with not only face VA, but the nation as a whole. As a Congresswoman I will represent their issues and speak for them.”

The PW Perspective would like to sincerely thank Zainab Mohsini for her time in this interview. She will be part of a virtual town hall tomorrow at 3pm. For more details click on the following link. 

If you would like more information about her campaign, please click on the following link.