Samiyah for Senate, Political Leadership in Action
With infinite stamina and immeasurable zest, Samiyah Diaz is out on the march the march for a seat as State Senator for the Second Suffolk District in Boston, Massachusetts. A natural born leader and advocate for change, Samiyahs goals for her community include making genuine modifications in education, crime rates, and income opportunities for those seeking a healthier lifestyle in the safety of a protected community. Aside from her professional aspirations, Samiyahs resume boasts an equally strong record. Having an advanced degree already behind her, this Trinidadian-Venezuelan-American is also a member of a local chapter of Muslim Professionals and a member of various law school organizations at Tufts University where she is currently a third year law student. She seeks office now not just as a Republican, but as a candidate who truly seeks community uplift and promise for the future. To learn more about Samiyah and her campaign read more in this weeks Young and Professional Profile.
Juris Doctorate – New England School of Law;
M.S in Computer Science, Tufts University B.S
Work Experience
Mintz
Genetics Institute
Mass. General Hospital
Childrens Hospital
Biogen
Digital Equipment corp.
Putnam
Tufts university
Ethnicity
Trinidadian and Venezuelan
About Samiyah
Citizens for Samiyah is helping to organize a campaign for the Second Suffolk Senate District against the incumbent, Senator Dianne Wilkerson. Diaz seeks the nomination as a socially progressive, fiscally prudent Republican in the Bill Weld philosophy. Her campaign will focus on solving problems for people of the District, namely: education; crime; economic opportunity; and various quality of life issues such as healthcare, homelessness and supporting city government, police and firefighters. Do visit the issues link to find out Samiyah’s solutions to these problems.
Samiyah believes that the District needs a new face with new ideas. With nearly half the murders in Boston occurring in the District in 2005, continued disparity in educational quality, uneven economic opportunity, and the need for excellent relationships with city service providers, the incumbent hasn’t delivered for the District. The incumbents personal difficulties, already well-known, will continue to diminish her effectiveness and credibility outside the District. “We need public leaders we can be proud of and who are willing to abide by the laws they impose on the citizens of the district.” says Diaz.
Most notable milestones
Running for State Senate and gaining support of 12,000 voters.
What’s the niche?
Samiyah is the daughter of immigrants. She is Trinidadian and Venezuelan. She is a single mother, and a Muslim. She is also a Republican. Samiyah ran a campaign for the Second Suffolk State Senate where she gained the support of over 12,000 voters.
What’s the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was confronting others preconceptions and misconceptions. It was hardly ever about right or wrong; people only wanted to make the race about left versus right–Republican versus Democrat.
What’s in store for the future?
Samiyah is planning on getting married and is looking for another run in 2008 – maybe for Congress!
Who would you like to be contacted by?
Samiyah would like to be contacted by people who are determined and and are driven.
I believe that anyone can come from anything and become something.
Yardstick of success
I believe goals are attainable with hard work and determination.
Goal yet to be achieved
I have ideas for imparting change on a global level, which outlines the nature of my future NGO.
Best practical advice
Seek all resources and be resourceful.
Supportive words from a family member or friend
Always look on the bright side.
Mentors
I am happy to have many resources and mentors who continue to help me realize my goals: Dan Winslow has been very instrumental in this sense.
What motivated you to get started?
I was disappointed with the lack of leadership. A very diverse city, people from all walks of life, were being represented by faulty leaders. I believed that we as a city could do better which is why I put my hat into the race.
Like best about what you do?
Great opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and share ideas and get a solution.
Like least about what you do?
Running as a candidate for state legislative office doesn’t pay at all! Not that I need monetary reinforcement but paying my everyday bills become near to impossible when you dedicate your life to goal of bringing change to a region.
What keeps you motivated ?
The hope of a better tomorrow.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Scientist and writer.
What was your first job?
McDonalds at age 14.
Biggest pastime outside of work
Surfing the internet.
Person most interested in meeting
Oprah. One of my next ventures will be to start up an NGO. I hope to present my idea to her in hopes of obtaining some financial backing.
Leader in business most interested in meeting
Bill Gates truly epitomizes my business and humanitarian goals.
Three interesting facts about yourself
Published writer, speak many languages, only continent she has not been to is Asia.
Top of Page
