In a video launched on social media on February 4, CPD announced that our Co-Executive Director, Ana Maria Archila, would join Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as an invited guest at the State of the Union. Like millions of others, we are inspired by Alexandria’s fierce leadership and her bold, hopeful vision.

Members of Congress get to bring one person each to the address. Ocasio-Cortez chose Ana Maria for the courage and leadership she showed while confronting Senator Jeff Flake in an elevator on Capitol Hill during Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings. The choice was symbolic in a moment when immigrants and reproductive rights are under attack, and we are all called upon to stand up.

Ana Maria understood the invitation was not solely for her, but really was an invitation for people across the country to tell their stories, to join in protest, and to breathe life into our democracy by ensuring the people’s demands and aspirations are at the center for our debates. Stand with Ana Maria, AOC and the CPD Network by giving $5 or whatever you are able. Donate today.

Archila is a longtime community organizer, outspoken sexual-assault survivor, and a constituent of Ocasio-Cortez’s district. Ana Maria’s invitation to the State of the Union was covered on MSNBC with Rachel Maddow, CNN with Dana Bash, ABC , Univision, and Democracy Now!, and made headlines across major outlets like The New York Times, CBS News, Vox, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, The Intercept, and Huffington Post among many others. Archila was also included in Jezebel’s list of Most Inspiring Women of 2018 last December.