headshot_-_atima.jpgARLINGTON, Va. —  At the recent bi-annual convention of the Young Democrats of America, Atima Omara-Alwala was elected the first African-American president of the Young Democrats of America.

“I am proud to stand as the first black woman and first Virginian to lead the nation’s largest partisan youth organization, the Young Democrats of America,” Omara-Alwala said. “In this organization’s 81-year history, there has never been an African American but I know my victory today is because of all the activists that have worked for more equality for African Americans and women.”
Omara-Alwala ran with a team representing California, Georgia, New York, Kansas, Oklahoma and Delaware for the organization’s leadership. The team was elected in a clean sweep under the banner of YDA Progress.
Omara-Alwala and the newly elected executive vice president, Erin Carlstrom of California, comprise the organization’s first female-led team.
 “Looking forward, I plan to use this position to empower young leaders to be better political operatives, candidates and activists in their home communities,” Omara-Alwala said.
Omara-Alwala previously served as a vice president, Mid-Atlantic region director and chairwoman of the Women’s Caucus for the Young Democrats of America. 
She is a Chester, Va., native and a graduate of George Mason University and the University of Virginia. She lives in Arlington, Va., with her husband Clay.