Iman Jodeh
Iman Mohamad Jodeh | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 41st district | |
| Assumed office January 13, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Jovan Melton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Colorado Denver (BA, MPP) |
| Website | Campaign website |
Iman Mohamad Jodeh is an American politician serving as a Democratic member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 41st district. Elected in 2020, she is the first Muslim elected to the legislature and assumed office on January 13, 2021.
Early life and education
Jodeh was born in Denver, the daughter of Palestinian parents who immigrated to the United States in 1974.[1][2] She grew up in neighboring Aurora, and graduated from Overland High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history in 2004 and Master of Public Policy from University of Colorado Denver in 2006.[3]
Career
Jodeh has worked as a community liaison for the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. 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."[4][5]
Colorado House of Representatives
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.[6][5][7] The district includes part of Aurora in Arapahoe County. In the election, she defeated her Republican opponent, winning 65.86% of the vote.[8] During the 2021 legislative session, Jodeh co-sponsored a healthcare bill (Colorado Option) that would later be passed aimed at creating affordable standardized health insurance.[9] Jodeh sponsored a successful bill that created the Colorado Office of New Americans within the Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment. The office's stated purpose is to help immigrants and new residents integrate into their new communities and function as a resource for state leaders and community members.[10]
In the 2022 Colorado House of Representatives election, Jodeh was re-elected to represent the 41st district.[11] On November 12, 2022, Jodeh was selected as majority co-whip of the state House.[12]
Jodeh's political policies include working on access to healthcare (including mental health), jobs, protecting civil rights, affordable housing, and education.[5][13]
References
- ^ "Iman Jodeh: The Testimony of a Coloradan Muslim | History Colorado". www.historycolorado.org. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- ^ "من هي إيمان جودة.. أول مسلمة في الكونغرنس الأمريكي عن ولاية كولورادو؟". مرصد الشرق الاوسط و شمال افريقيا (in Arabic). Retrieved 2020-11-05.
- ^ DeWind, Alex (2021-12-18). ""A bigger, broader American Dream" – Rep. Iman Jodeh, CU Denver Alum, Encourages Fall 2021 Graduates to Celebrate Achievements, Contribute to a Better World". CU Denver News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ "MEET OUR LEADERSHIP". Meet The Middle East. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- ^ a b c GOODLAND, MARIANNE. "Meet Iman Jodeh, Colorado's first Muslim and Palestinian-American lawmaker". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- ^ "Iman Jodeh Is Colorado's First-Ever Muslim Lawmaker". 5280. 2020-11-10. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- ^ Luckey, Avicra (18 February 2021). "What's in a name? Colorado State Rep. Iman Mohamad Jodeh". 9news.com. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
- ^ "State representative — District 41". Colorado election results, November 3, 2020 general election. Colorado Secretary of State. 2020-11-05. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
- ^ Miller, Faith (17 June 2021). "Polis signs Colorado Option bill into law, along with bill meant to reduce prescription drug prices". Colorado Newsline. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
- ^ "Office of New Americans to help integration and Colorado's economy". Colorado Springs Business Journal. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ "Colorado State House - District 41 Election Results | Journal Sentinel". www.jsonline.com. 8 November 2022. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
- ^ Birkeland, Bente (12 November 2022). "Colorado's new Democratic leaders are more diverse than ever, most are women". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
- ^ "Colorado State House District 41 candidate Q&A". The Denver Post. 2022-10-14. Retrieved 2022-11-16.