Grassroots Focus, National Impact

Na’ilah Amaru is a nationally recognized political strategist and campaign advisor with over two decades of experience influencing policy at every level of government. She has served as a grassroots organizer, nonprofit leader, lobbyist, and government executive — shaping public policy and campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels.

Na’ilah has been a fierce advocate for building grassroots governing power among women, BIPOC, and underserved communities. She has led transformational campaigns and held senior leadership roles across nonprofits, campaigns, and government. As National Director of The Democracy Project, she launched a nationwide initiative that recruited 250+ legislators from all 50 states and broadened democracy reform beyond voting access to include civic participation, policy influence, and co-governance.

Her campaign leadership includes the Youth Justice Campaign in Washington, DC, which secured funding for community-based alternatives to incarceration; #LetNYVote, which mobilized 200+ advocates and won early voting access for 13.1 million New Yorkers; and #JustPay, which secured $741M for NYC human services workers and $1B statewide. She also created the Organizing Academy to empower nonprofit workers with advocacy and leadership skills.

Na’ilah is co-founder of New York’s BIPOC Democracy Table, advancing BIPOC political engagement, influencing legislation, strengthening civic education, and building long-term power across the state.

Strategist and Tactician

From her start as a tenant organizer in Atlanta to advising Mayor Kasim Reed, lobbying at the Georgia State House, and later serving Congressman John Lewis on Capitol Hill, Na’ilah has been a disciplined tactician, transforming ideas into policy and amplifying underrepresented voices. She went on to serve as Executive Director of the NYC Council’s Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus, leading one of the city’s most influential political bodies. Her cross-sector experience makes her a sought-after speaker, commentator, and advisor to organizations and coalitions advancing social justice.

Trainer and Educator

A lifelong advocate for civic engagement, Na’ilah designs workshops and trainings that prepare communities to drive change at both the local and systemic levels. As lead national trainer with Vote Run Lead, she has traveled the country preparing women — especially women of color — to run for office and win. She has also taught courses on race, gender, and public policy and lectures on community organizing, elections, and campaigns.

With her PhD studies completed, she is committed to educating and empowering the next generation of activists, organizers, and policymakers.

Advisor and Thought Leader

Na’ilah contributes to the award-winning Brown Girls Guide to Politics podcast, sharing lessons with young women of color entering politics with purpose.

She is a member of Higher Heights’ Founders Circle, co-founder of New York’s BIPOC Democracy Table, and a founding member of Emerge New York. She also serves on the DNC’s Young Professionals Leadership Council, the Women Leaders Network for the Association for a Better New York, and has held board roles with Citizen Action New York and the National Women’s Political Caucus (NYC).