By Dulasi Tennakoon, 2025 CLA Intern
The Emerge California event, co-hosted by CAUSE, was a powerful and insightful space centered around community leaders, particularly Democratic women, interested in running for office. The event provided an opportunity to learn about professional development and the steps involved in pursuing elected office. I had the chance to network with CLA alumni, board members, and fellow participants, all of whom brought unique perspectives and inspiring stories. One of the most impactful moments was hearing from Assemblymember Jessica Caloza. She shared her journey as an Asian American woman in politics, detailing the personal challenges and motivations that led her to run for office. Her words deeply resonated with me and many of us in the room. Speaking with participants throughout the day was equally moving for me, as each person had a different reason for wanting to step into political leadership. One mother spoke about creating a better future for her children, while another participant, a person of color, shared their ongoing fight for justice. These diverse stories reminded me of the many ways people arrive at public service, all rooted in care, resilience, and purpose. During the Q&A, one audience member asked a thoughtful question: how can someone who prefers working behind the scenes, rather than being the public face think about a future in politics? I spoke to this individual afterward, and she told me that this moment helped her realize that her passion lies in grassroots work, supporting from the ground up rather than being a candidate herself. I appreciated that level of clarity and self-awareness, and it reminded me that representation comes in many forms. It's inspiring to see organizations like Emerge and CAUSE actively supporting women who are stepping up and changing the narrative.
Another community-centered event I attended recently was the Telephone Town Hall hosted by Congressman Ted Lieu on July 30th. The focus was on critical issues like proposed Medicare and Medicaid cuts. Congressman Lieu was joined by public health leaders including Dr. Anish Mahajan, Dr. Mitesh Popat, and Dr. Andrea Turner, who discussed the local impact of the Big Ugly Bill. The Congressman expressed the consequences of the passage of this bill and his strong opposition to it, which includes a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and threatens to take health insurance away from an estimated 14,000 Southern Californians. The town hall highlighted how essential these forums are in creating direct dialogue between elected officials and their constituents. However, the following morning at work, we received many upset calls from people whose questions, especially around Congressman Lieu’s position on Gaza, were not addressed during the event. While it's encouraging to see elected officials hosting these spaces, the frustration from unanswered questions was a reminder that transparency and responsiveness are equally critical in building trust.
Overall, I think both events reinforced for me how vital community engagement is in shaping our democracy, whether it’s through empowering women to run for office or providing platforms for constituents to be heard.