To mark City & State’s 20th anniversary, we’re introducing a new list: Tomorrow’s Leaders. Written in partnership with journalist Aaron Short, this feature puts a spotlight on up-and-coming individuals who will be taking on more and more responsibility over the next two decades. The list features young and mid-level players in our space who have room to grow, including standout figures at nonprofit and for-profit organizations, industry groups, healthcare providers, consulting firms and much more.
Na’ilah Amaru | Founder and Principal Strategist, Civic Alchemy LLC
When Na’ilah Amaru moved to New York City, she didn’t know anyone. But the Iraq War veteran and former aide to the late Rep. John Lewis found a home as a political strategist helping establish early voting, lift up formerly incarcerated women and pass salary transparency laws before serving as an inaugural member of the steering committee of the BIPOC Democracy Table. She recently partnered with the Amplify Her Foundation to design a pilot investing in women as local changemakers. This year, she launched Civic Alchemy LLC, a social impact consulting firm at the intersection of policy, politics and civic power.
Read the full article, “Tomorrow’s Leaders: New Yorkers to watch in the coming decades” published May 11, 2026 on cityandstateny.com.