Shane Monaghan • November 10, 2020 It’s not typical for the election of a Colorado state representative to make international news. Iman Jodeh, pioneering Palestinian in Colorado house Palestinian-origin Iman Jodeh wins state house seat, following trail blazed by Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar 2020-11-06 11:34:57 Iman Mohamad Jodeh (Arabic: إيمان محمد جودة‎) is an American politician serving as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 41st district. Iman Jodeh is the representative-elect for House District 41 in Aurora, Colorado, the city she grew up in and has spent the past 35 years of her life. We were fortunate enough to … Iman Jodeh is running to represent Colorado’s HD41. Palestinian congresswoman Iman Jodeh. We were blessed to have the time we had with him and he passed peacefully at home surrounded by his entire immediate and extended family. Deborah’s undergraduate degree in International Business, graduate studies in Conflict Resolution, and extensive training in Multicultural Studies have further prepared her to lead youth, adults and businesses to a more robust interaction with peoples and lands of the Middle East. Development Director at Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. Barbara is a Denver native with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Denver. Dr. Hanan Shaban is a Pharmacist working for Veterans Affairs. Iman Jodeh, a first-generation Palestinian American born and raised in Aurora, is fighting to make sure the American Dream isn’t just a myth - but a reality for every person. Colorado Muslim Leadership Council, Co-Founder (2015 - Present): Established to create unity and transparency throughout the entire Muslim community in Colorado. Our Mission Statement: To create a network of Palestinian Americans to bond with and empower each other, to promote and celebrate Palestinian Arab culture, to preserve and disseminate Palestinian narratives, to educate the public about Palestinian history and heritage, and to articulate and advocate for a peaceful and just future in our homeland Palestine. This year the Palestinian Return Centre have launched the first ‘Return Week’, which aims to raise awareness about the inalienable right of return for Palestinian refugees. Here, she poses for a portrait in HiRa Cafe in Aurora, one of her regular stops, on Nov. 13, 2020. Overall, it makes us realize how many he impacted and the importance of honoring his legacy by continuing our work because of his passion for the MTME mission. Iman Jodeh: Colorado’s First Muslim and Palestinian Legislator. (Photo: File) Democratic party candidate Iman Jodeh has been selected as the congresswoman for the Colorado House of Representatives beating Republican candidate Robert Andrews in the polls yesterday. Democratic party candidate Iman Jodeh has been selected as the congresswoman for the Colorado House of Representatives beating Republican candidate Robert Andrews in the polls yesterday. Iman Jodeh is the daughter of Palestinian refugees and is passionate about making Colorado a welcoming place for immigrants and refugees. A first-generation Palestinian-American, Iman is fluent in Arabic and maintains a second home in Ramallah, Palestine. The freshman legislator smashed through many barriers, but Jodeh insists she’s never set out to do so. Senior Kent Ho said, “Having an activist come to talk to youth is great since it gives the youth insight on the real world.” Iman Jodeh, a Palestinian American, grew up in Aurora and grew up to be a Muslim activist. When Iman Jodeh was elected to Colorado’s House of Representatives in 2020 she became the state’s first Muslim lawmaker. NGP Talks with Iman Jodeh. The Colorado native and daughter of Palestinian immigrants could make history in an Aurora-area district that heavily favors Democrats in the 2020 election Executive Director | iman@meetthemiddleeast.org. [1][2][3] She grew up in Aurora, Colorado and graduated from Overland High School. Iman Jodeh: I am a first-generation American.I was born to Palestinian immigrants and refugees, who were definitely in search of the American dream. Iman Jodeh, a 38-year-old daughter of Palestinian immigrants, was elected to serve as a Colorado state representative last week. I’m the daughter of Palestinian immigrants and refugees, and small business owners and teachers. Iman Jodeh. In addition to being a board member for Colorado’s Women’s Lobby, […] A Senior Program Manager at CDR Associates, Todd Bryan has spent the last 10 years as a mediator, trainer and organizational consultant to facilitate the resolution of national policy conflicts in energy, environment, health and other areas. As a Palestinian-American, Hanan was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and has lived and traveled extensively in the Middle East. It has indeed been a challenging adjustment and there is a huge void in our Meet the Middle East family. She has been a dedicated advocate for putting power in the hands of the people and she will be … Iman Jodeh. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history and Master of Public Policy from University of Colorado Denver. Elected in 2020, she assumed office on January 13, 2021. Jodeh has worked as a community liaison for Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. https://theislamicinformation.com/muslims-elected-in-the-us-elections-2020 A Campaign Manager at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Ali has 11 years of nonprofit career and volunteer experience. Iman Jodeh, a community activist and educator, is poised to become Colorado’s first Muslim lawmaker. Democrat hopeful Iman Jodeh grew up in the shadow of two Gulf wars, and shortly after the 9/11 attacks, the Afghan and the Iraqi wars. US elections, Iman Jodeh, Palestinian, Muslim, Democrat, Colorado After Donald Trump was elected as president four years ago, Iman Jodeh , still grieving her father's recent passing, looked at herself in the mirror and thought about booking two one-way tickets to … WASHINGTON DC Born and raised in the US to Palestinian immigrant parents, activist and academic Iman Jodeh this week made history as the first Iman Jodeh, who is running for State Representative District 41 in Colorado, wins her State House seat in Colorado today.… Read More » Amanda has 15 years of experience as a realtor, investor, entrepreneur and lawyer. Nonetheless, the outpouring of support that we have encountered, both within our local Colorado community and in the region abroad, has been overwhelming. “I am proud to be able to represent my communities,” said Iman Jodeh, daughter of Palestinian immigrants. [5][6] The district includes part of Aurora in Arapahoe County. Staff Iman M. Jodeh, MPA Executive Director | iman@meetthemiddleeast.org Iman has worked with international non-profits since receiving her masters degree in Public Policy. Jodeh was born in Denver, the daughter of Palestinian-Muslim parents who immigrated to the United States in 1974. In … The activist and educator frequently advocates for the Muslim community in the state. Jodeh, a first-generation American of Palestinian origin, was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives, making her the first Muslim legislator in the state’s history. Iman has worked with international non-profits since receiving her masters degree in Public Policy. “I’m not … Colorado state legislator Iman Jodeh made international headlines after winning her historic election as the first-ever Palestinian and Muslim American lawmaker elected to Colorado's House of Representatives. She has 25 years experience bringing diverse cultures together, and believes strongly in the power of personal connection as a means to build a more peaceful world. She holds a Master of Arts in International Studies with concentrations in International Development and Conflict Resolution from the University of Denver. You may use the RTD Light Rail or Bus. In August of 2016, Mohamad Jodeh lost his battle with cancer. Colorado state legislator Iman Jodeh made international headlines after winning her historic election as the first-ever Palestinian and Muslim American lawmaker elected to Colorado's House of Representatives. A first-generation Palestinian-American, Iman is fluent in Arabic and maintains a second home in Ramallah, Palestine. Fellow Palestinian-American Rashida Tlaib was re-elected to her seat in Michigan, while progressive Muslim congresswoman Ilhan Omar also regained her position in Minnesota following the election. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Mohamad Jodeh was an esteemed teacher and consultant at Meet the Middle East. "[4], A member of the Democratic Party, she was elected to represent the 41st district in the Colorado House of Representatives in the 2020 general election, and is the first Muslim lawmaker in the state’s history. (credit: Iman Jodeh) “I have lived in Aurora for 35 years, almost my entire life. She teaches at Regis University School of Pharmacy, and is a clinical instructor at the University of Colorado Department of Clinical Pharmacy. Commenting on the news on Twitter, Jodeh wrote: “We did it! Iman Mohamad Jodeh became the first Palestinian American Muslim and women of color lawmaker in Colorado state by running for the Democratic Party and defeating her Republican opponent with 65.86% of … Jodeh is a fervent advocate for her community, and has supported legislation including SB18-087 to provide in-state tuition for refugees and other immigrants. The first Muslim and Palestinian-American elected to the Colorado General Assembly said she never considered running for elected office before it all just fell together. Barbara has made several trips to the Middle East and has a passion for the cultures of the region. Jodeh will be speaking at the Diversity Assembly next week. Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, is an author, psychotherapist, and founding rabbi of Congregation Nevei Kodesh in Boulder, Colorado. She grew up in Aurora, Colorado and graduated from Overland High School. Jodeh was born in Denver, the daughter of Palestinian-Muslim parents who immigrated to the United States in 1974. Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, finds being a member of the Colorado House almost surreal. Rep. Iman Jodeh. Ali has gained valuable practical knowledge in international development, education, development, and fundraising. El… She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history and Master of Public Policy from University of Colorado Denver. Author, speaker and catalyst for change, Deborah is passionate about promoting a healthy relationship with the Middle East. In 2008, she founded Meet the Middle East, a non-profit whose mission is to bridge understanding between Americans and what she says is the "most misunderstood region of the world. Iman Mohamad Jodeh (Arabic: إيمان محمد جودة‎) is an American politician serving as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 41st district. Widely known for her groundbreaking work on Kabbalah and depth psychology and the re-integration of the feminine wisdom tradition within Judaism, Rabbi Firestone lectures and teaches throughout the United States on the overlapping disciplines of psychology, spirituality, and human rights. She has a proven record of service, leadership, & advocacy at our State Capitol. “We did it! 9. ... a Palestinian Perspective, Islam 101. "Iman Jodeh: The Testimony of a Coloradan Muslim | History Colorado", "من هي إيمان جودة.. أول مسلمة في الكونغرنس الأمريكي عن ولاية كولورادو؟", "Iman Jodeh Is Colorado's First-Ever Muslim Lawmaker", "Meet Iman Jodeh, Colorado's first Muslim and Palestinian-American lawmaker", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iman_Jodeh&oldid=1002107434, American politicians of Palestinian descent, Members of the Colorado House of Representatives, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 22 January 2021, at 22:13. I ran to make the American dream a reality for everyone. In the election, she defeated her Republican opponent, winning 65.86% of the vote.[7]. As a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Michigan, Todd brings decades of experience to the classroom. Jodeh was born in Colorado to two Palestinian parents who immigrated to the US in 1974. She holds an MA in General Administration. This article about a Colorado politician is a stub. The first Muslim and Palestinian-American elected to the Colorado General Assembly said she never considered running for elected office before it all just fell together. Return Week provides a platform to a plethora of activists, academics, and political commentators, and to elevate the voices calling for the Palestinian right of return. Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, finds being a member of the Colorado House almost surreal. Because of his vast knowledge on the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict and Islam, he educated many of our Adult Alumni while on our trips, taught the Islam unit to our Youth Ambassador Students, and educated the Denver community at large. Posner Center for International Development1031 33rd Street, Denver, CO 80205, Suite 250. “I’m not used to it yet,” she said in an interview at HiRa Cafe & Patisserie […] In addition to her role at Meet the Middle East, she lectures at the University of Denver, and is a regular guest speaker on Islam and the geopolitical climate of the Middle East. She has worked in the corporate and non-profit sectors for over 30 years and has served on numerous non-profit Board of Directors in the Denver area. Iman Jodeh has become the second Palestinian-American after Rashida Tlaib to win seat in US Congress after winning today Democratic Party’s seat in the US House of Representatives from Colorado. The 30th and Downing RTD Station is a few blocks from the Meet the Middle East office (map). I am a proud Muslim, Palestinian American, first-generation American. Iman Jodeh is the representative-elect for House District 41 in Aurora, the city she grew up in and has spent the past 35 years of her life. US Elects Palestinian Woman to Colorado State Legislature November 5, 2020. Focusing on international law in both the public and private sector representing the United States, Fortune 100 companies and international entrepreneurs, Amanda is interested in bringing her business and legal expertise to bear in bridging the gap between the local and international communities. Promising to tackle these issues, the district’s Democratic Party candidate Iman Jodeh is running on a progressive platform of criminal justice reform and minimum wage increases. Forrest Czarnecki, The Gazette.