Empowering Students, Supporting Educators, Strengthening Communities

Rashida will champion education policies that center teacher voice, support student wellness, strengthen school-community partnerships, and ensure every Ward 1 family has access to high-quality, equitable educational opportunities—from early childhood through college and career. Every child deserves to be in school, learning and thriving. Rashida believes when kids are chronically absent, it's our job to ask why and fix the problems—not punish the child. That's what real support looks like.

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"Education is the foundation of opportunity. As your Councilmember, I'll work with teachers, families, and community partners to ensure every Ward 1 student has access to schools that nurture their potential, celebrate their identities, and prepare them for success in college, careers, and life."

- Rashida

Building a Diverse, Equitable and Thriving Ward

Rashida will champion housing policies that lead to more affordable homes, preserve existing affordability and tenant protections, and ensure that Ward 1 remains a diverse and inclusive community for all residents at all income levels.

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"As your Councilmember, I won't just advocate for more housing—I’ll fight for the right mix of housing throughout Ward 1 to preserve its rich diversity and ensure that residents thrive regardless of their income. I’ll also advance housing first policies with wraparound services to promote better pathways for our unhoused neighbors and remove systemic barriers that displace Black and Brown residents from our community and make it harder for seniors to age in place.

As a Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) recipient, I know firsthand how these critical programs matter and that they must continue to be funded by the D.C. Council. Housing assistance programs, like HPAP, helped me afford to live in D.C. – in Ward 1!”

- Rashida

Building Safer Communities Through Strategic Crime Prevention

Rashida will champion public safety policies that build on D.C.'s progress in reducing crime while targeting persistent violence in Ward 1's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Drawing on evidence-based strategies and community partnerships, Rashida will work to strengthen violence prevention efforts, reduce gun violence, enhance emergency response, and ensure all residents feel safe in their communities.

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“As your Councilmember, I will champion comprehensive public safety strategies that continue to drive down crime rates across the District while addressing the persistent challenges facing areas of Ward 1 with long-standing histories of neighborhood-based violence and gun crime. True safety requires evidence-based approaches: investing in proven violence interruption programs, strengthening community policing partnerships, supporting survivors of violence, and providing our young people with alternatives to crime through workforce development and mentorship. I'll fight for equitable resource allocation that ensures every Ward 1 neighborhood receives the attention and investment it needs to thrive."

- Rashida

Preserving Ward 1’s Cultural Heritage While Building Prosperity

Rashida will champion small business policies that preserve Ward 1's cultural diversity, protect longtime entrepreneurs from displacement, and create pathways for new businesses to thrive. Drawing on best practices from other urban cities with similar demographics, we can find solutions that balance growth and preservation. Rashida will fight to increase incentives and access to capital for small businesses and target resources supporting women-and minority-owned businesses. 

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"As your Councilmember, I will fight to preserve the soul of Ward 1's vibrant commercial corridors and diverse small business community. Our longtime Black and Brown business owners built this ward's rich cultural identity, and they deserve protection from displacement as development accelerates. I'll support anti-displacement policies proven to work in cities facing similar gentrification pressures—commercial rent stabilization, community ownership models, technical assistance programs, and equitable access to capital. Ward 1's economic future must include the entrepreneurs who have sustained our neighborhoods for generations."

- Rashida