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Ghida Dagher came to the U.S. at age 9 seeking asylum after she and her family fled their home in Sierra Leone amidst civil war. Soon after locating in Dearborn, MI the 9/11 attacks created more instability in her Arab-American and Muslim community and helped forge her own budding political conscioussness. Her focus on politics and public service led her to become Director of Appointments for Governor Gretchen Whitmer and, more recently, to take the helm as President & CEO of New American Leaders - an organization committed to preparing first and second generation Americans to run for political office. In this conversation, Ghida talks her amazing story as an immigrant and refugee and how it motivates her work with New American Leaders to change the face of US politics.

IN THIS EPISODE

Ghida’s roots as both 3rd generation Sierra Leonese AND 100% Lebanese…

The amazing story behind Ghida’s family held hostage in a burning hotel before escaping war-torn Sierra Leone…

Ghida’s early memories of the US as a 9 year-old…

Ghida talks about the impact of 9/11 on her community and political consciousness...

Ghida gives a flavor of Dearborn, MI – “the Arab American Capital of the US”…

Ghida’s 101 on the multi-faceted Arab American community…

Ghida’s path changes from focusing on the medical profession to working in politics…

Ghida’s entry in the political orbit of Gretchen Whitmer….

Ghida talks the nuts-and-bolts of being a senior aide and Director of Appointments for Governor Whitmer…

Ghida talks important advice she received from Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, and her influence as a trail-blazer…

The impact of the organization New American Leaders on Ghida & her path to eventually becoming its President / CEO…

Going deep on the work Ghida and New American Leaders are doing to elect more 1st and 2nd Generation Americans…

Ghida talks her leadership strategies and best practices in running a big political operation…

AND Munira Abdullahi, Alter Road, apple committees, Bill 1070, Blood Diamond, George W. Bush, Ron DeSantis, Ford Motor Company, Al Gore, green zones, Shahana Hanif, Orville Hubbard, John Kerry, Shekar Krishnan, magic sauce, Mammy Yoko, Maronites, Genevieve Mina, Steven Raga, the Red Cross, Suzanne Sareini, Nabeela Syed, taboos, Raquel Terán, third culture kids, unusual suspects, visitors’ visas & more!