Woman Crush Wednesday: Senator Ilhan Omar

From a refugee camp to a senatorial seat: the underdog story of Minnesota’s first African-born senator, IIhan Omar, is one that when shared ignites a feeling of pride, possibilities and hope. Hence her rightful place as our Woman Crush Wednesday.

Born the last child into her family, growing up without a mother and being made to flee their war-stricken country, Somalia, to the US didn’t deter the 37-year-old senator from achieving her dreams. As an African-born woman, with her race, sex and (perhaps) religion stacked up against her, she stands tall in a largely patriarchal political system, proving that dreams are valid despite being shrouded by seemingly hopeless circumstances.

In her victory speech, her words resounded with pride; “I stand here before you tonight, as your Congresswoman-elect, with many firsts behind my name.”

Omar, like many other powerful women before her, is a symbol of hope and perseverance.