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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 11, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

Bushra Amiwala Ignites Change at Vibrant Chicago

Fundraiser for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District

OUR BUREAU where 35.1% of households speak a College and a director at the Alli- from Kellogg-Northwestern, she
non-English language like Spanish, ance of Indians in America, echoed has been recognized as Glamour
Chicago, IL Polish, or Urdu, found a unifying Joshi’s enthusiasm. “We’re here to Magazine’s College Woman of the
A for Bushra,” Mohammad said. “Her of the Year, and a Forbes 30 Un-
wave of excitement and unity voice in Amiwala’s call for inclusive raise funds and build a movement Year, Seventeen Magazine’s Voice
swept through Khan B.B.Q leadership.
ranging
campaign for District 9 is about up-
tiers,
Sponsorship
Restaurant in Chicago’s Dev-
featured in documentaries on Hulu,
on Avenue on June 26, 2025, as com- from Bronze ($200) to Platinum lifting every voice in this diverse com- der 30 honoree. Her story has been
munity leaders, supporters, and activ- ($2,000+), underscored the com- munity. With the support of Khan Amazon, and PBS, cementing her as
ists gathered to rally behind Bushra munity’s commitment to fueling her B.B.Q and our dedicated team, we’re a role model for future leaders. As
Amiwala, a trailblazing candidate for campaign. Supporters filled Khan confident she’ll make a difference.” an International Peace Ambassador
Illinois’s 9th Congressional District. B.B.Q, savoring aromatic dishes Sufyan Feroze, who drove Award recipient from the United
The event, a fundraiser hosted from while pledging their support through from Naperville with his wife Neha Nations, Amiwala’s global perspec-
5-7 PM, marked a pivotal moment in donations and checks mailed to P.O. Shagufta, spoke to Amiwala’s histor- tive informs her local mission.
Amiwala’s campaign, showcasing her Box 911, Skokie, IL 60076, payable to ic candidacy. “Bushra is the youngest Neha Shagufta, a Muslim busi-
vision for transformative leadership Bushra for Congress. The event was a Muslim congressional candidate for nesswoman and wife of Sufyan
and galvanizing a diverse coalition to testament to the grassroots momen- District 9, and I believe in her vision,” Feroze, emphasized Amiwala’s defi-
propel her to Congress in the March tum building around Amiwala’s plat- Feroze said. “I urge everyone to show ance of stereotypes. “Bushra is the
2026 primary election. form, which prioritizes Medicare for up, donate generously, and join this opposite of what people think Mus-
Amiwala, a first-generation All, humanitarian aid over military movement. She’s here to make a dif- lim women are—she’s independent,
American whose father arrived from spending, protecting education from ference, not just history.” strong, and a true leader,” Shagufta
Pakistan with just $20, embodies resil- executive overreach, combating cli- Mahek Feroze, a businesswom- said. “We’re supporting her to win
ience and ambition. As the first Gen mate change, and fostering economic an and entrepreneur, delivered a in 2026 because she represents the
Z elected official in the United States security through clean energy jobs. heartfelt endorsement, emphasiz- future of our community.”
and a current member of Skokie’s Sohan Joshi, Director of the ing Amiwala’s role as a trailblazer The fundraiser was more than
District 73.5 Board of Education, she Alliance of Indians in America and for Muslim women. “As a mother an event; it was a rallying cry for a
has already left an indelible mark on North American College, set the and a woman in this community, I’m new era of leadership. Attendees
her community. Her seven years of tone with an impassioned speech. inspired by Bushra’s strength,” she left inspired, with many pledging
service have been defined by ground- “Bushra Amiwala is the new gener- said. “Being a young Muslim wom- to spread the word through bushra-
breaking initiatives: championing ation of leadership we need—active, an in politics is no small feat, but forcongress.com and tinyurl.com/
transparency through livestreamed intelligent, and ready to represent us she’s breaking barriers and showing DonateBushra. As the March 2026
public meetings, ensuring accessibil- in Washington,” Joshi declared. “It’s what’s possible. We’re here to cele- primary approaches, Amiwala’s
ity with free extracurricular programs our job to ensure she wins, and our brate her and encourage everyone to campaign is gaining momentum,
for students on free or reduced lunch, support will send her to Congress to support her campaign.” fueled by a community united in its
and leading the nation by introducing fight for us.” The event also highlighted Ami- belief that change is not just possible
Halal, Kosher, and vegetarian meal Zakiuddin Mohammad, Vice wala’s remarkable journey. A Goo- but imminent.
options in schools. Now, she’s set her Chancellor of North American gle tech professional with an MBA ---Asian Media USA
sights on Washington, D.C., to advo-
cate for healthcare, education, hous-
ing, and economic security.
The evening buzzed with energy
as attendees, reflecting the district’s
rich diversity—58% White (includ-
ing an estimated 11% Arab Amer-
icans), 15% Asian, 14% Hispanic,
9% Black, and 4% other—came to-
gether to support Amiwala’s vision.
The district, a white-minority region

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