By Dulashi Tennakoon, 2025 CLA Intern
The Soiree Day was such a rewarding experience. From the start of the mock campaign to the very end, I learned so much, not just about strategy, but about teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.
Working alongside a team of dedicated people, each bringing different skills and perspectives, was inspiring from day one. As the Endorsement Campaign Manager, I led the team by ensuring all deliverables were completed on time, delegating tasks effectively, and making sure our candidate, Imani Lee, was always prepared and updated.
On Endorsement Day, we received valuable feedback from the panelists that helped shape our Soiree Day strategy. Being endorsed by two of the panelists was a highlight in itself, but even more important were the insights they shared, particularly how our positioning as Democrats gave us a strong advantage and how our ADU housing proposal under our affordable housing policy stood out.
The Soiree Day itself was even more eye-opening. While we didn’t win, the experience was filled with lessons. Observing the other team’s strategy, running as an independent candidate and taking a more understated approach, showed me how positioning and perception can be just as important as policy. I also realized how critical speeches are, not only in content but also in length and delivery. While we adhered to the two-minute limit, our opponent, Esther, went over, using that extra time to strengthen her narrative and capture the audience’s attention. It felt unfair at the moment, but ultimately, I recognized that this, too, is politics, navigating rules, perception, and storytelling in real time.
Beyond the competition, the networking opportunities were incredible. Conversations with Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblymember Mike Fong, and other community leaders were deeply insightful. Meeting members of the previous CLA cohort also gave me a new perspective on the importance of building connections with peers my age, not just with established professionals.
Overall, the experience was truly invaluable. Both teams approached the campaign with cooperation and respect, accepting the outcome with grace. As an individual, I grew tremendously in my role as Endorsement Campaign Manager, and as a team, we complemented each other’s strengths and worked tirelessly toward our goal. It was a wonderful experience, one that I will carry forward in both my leadership and political journey.