Author | Lightnews

Na’ilah Amaru

@nailahamaru.bsky.social

530 followers 91 following 67 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

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Nov 30

In 2016, I delivered Hillary Clinton's presidential nomination speech at the DNC, sharing my experiences at key intersections of the American story—struggle, resilience, and hope. That message reminds us progress isn’t inevitable but possible. Let’s build an America that lives up to its promise.

Na'ilah Amaru Presidential Nomination Speech

YouTube video by Na'ilah Amaru

www.youtube.com

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 9d

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

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 21d

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

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · 28d

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

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Sep 28

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

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Sep 22

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

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Sep 20

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

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Sep 8

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

1 4

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Sep 7

Congratulations! I definitely appreciate the mapping team’s skills and contributions in my line of work!

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Sep 5

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

1 1

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Aug 23

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

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Jul 17

"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.

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Jun 30

“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...

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.

scroll.in

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Jun 23

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

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Jun 16

Grateful to be part of the audience for the final NYC Democratic mayoral debate, among key voices and civic leaders from across the city.

Being in the room reinforced this truth: elections shape policy, and your vote shapes our future!

#VoteNYC #Democracy

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Jun 14

Honored to attend the homegoing of the Lion of Lenox, Congressman Charlie Rangel, a giant whose leadership shaped Black political power in America.

Standing with Speaker Pelosi and President Clinton was a reminder of the lineage we inherit and the leadership we continue to build. #WomenInPolitics

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Jun 9

Honored to have moderated the “FutureProof” panel at DigitalUndivided's Future Forward Summit, discussing how women & BIPOC founders can thrive amid rising political uncertainty & attacks on DEI. These conversations are essential for building lasting change!

#WomenInLeadership

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Jun 5

The 'Progressive Left' needs to broaden its appeal to moderate voters to build a winning electoral majority. In NYC's RCV system, building a diverse coalition is how to translate progressive ideals into effective governance. Future cycles will tell if this lesson is learned.

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Jun 4

For over a decade, I’ve supported Citizens Committee for New York City as both an advocate and a beneficiary of their investment in grassroots change. Their belief in local problem-solvers reflects my commitment to community-driven solutions.

Excited to celebrate their 50th! #Advocacy

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · May 18

Fantastic event hosted by @cityandstateny.bsky.social + NY for an Inclusive Democracy. Grateful to have attended the Democracy in New York summit where two BIPOC Democracy Table priorities—automatic voter registration + democracy during detention—were front and center in the fight for voting rights.

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · May 14

Honored to be invited to Governor Hochul’s press conference announcing the Inflation Relief Checks for over 8 million New Yorkers. Grateful to work alongside leaders committed to economic justice and real solutions for working families.

#WomenInPolitics

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · May 12

Honored to serve as an "Advocate in Action" speaker for @powherny.bsky.social 2025 LEAP cohort, sharing lessons learned from 20+ years in advocacy.

Grateful to be part of their journey, building power with purpose, clarity, and vision. #Advocacy #WomenInPolitics

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · May 3

I joined PBS’s To The Contrary this week to unpack how the Trump administration’s actions on immigration enforcement and women’s health funding reflect the deeper priorities driving conservative politics and how those choices affect the lives of everyday people.

#WomenInPolitics

1 2

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · May 1

Congratulations on this milestone!

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Apr 22

Honored to be named a 2025 Manhattan Power List Honoree for impact in grassroots advocacy and issue campaigns.

Grateful to the community and collaborators whose partnership powers people-driven movements for lasting social change.

#WomenInPolitics

Na’ilah Amaru @nailahamaru.bsky.social · Apr 20

Excited to speak on the Civics session at the Black Brooklyn Empowerment Summit at Medgar Evers College—advancing justice, equity & Black political power through sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Rooted in purpose, building power. #CivicLeadership