AISHA FAROOQI

My family and I moved to the United States when my mother earned a scholarship to study chemistry at the University of Detroit Mercy. Little did I know then that years later I would graduate from my mother’s alma mater with a degree in law. 

While my mother studied day and night, my father also worked hard at a small, family-owned business. The owner of the business, Mr. Leonelli (Grandpa Bruno to my sister and me) and his wife embraced us as their own, treating us like family. The Leonellis exemplified the meaning of community and, through them, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance.

My sister and I attended Detroit Public Schools, and one semester we didn’t have math textbooks because our school district couldn’t afford them. My math teacher, Mr. White, made copies of the lesson plans for each of us students for a full semester, paying out of his own pocket to help us learn. His generosity sparked my passion for public service and creating real change by serving my community.  

As my mother neared the end of her studies, Mr. Leonelli told my father that he did not want our family to leave America. He said, “America needs hardworking people like you,” and my parents soon realized their two daughters would be provided with opportunities in America that no other nation could offer. Here, in the land of opportunity, no dream was too big, and anything was possible. So Michigan became our new home. 

I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and served as the president of my class at the University of Detroit Mercy-School of Law. Following graduation from law school, I worked both in public and private practice. I have represented lower-income clients as a legal aid attorney at Lakeshore Legal Aid, where I was a proud union member, and offered pro bono services to those in need while operating my own law firm.  

Currently, I work as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County, where my focus has been on cases involving troubled youth. At the prosecutor’s office, I have learned to be firm, but also to lead with compassion – striking the right balance to make sure victims get justice, but young people at risk are given every opportunity to correct their path and find a better way forward.

Being a public servant has always been important to me. Through my interfaith work, I helped build bridges between the Muslim and Jewish communities. Previously, I served on the Sterling Heights Zoning Board of Appeals.

My experiences have taught me that too many members of our community are getting left behind by a system that has neither enough resources nor the right kind of insight to help them. I believe fervently in wise economic development policies – supporting small businesses and creating a more favorable economic environment – so that more people will have a chance to enjoy prosperity and perhaps be in a position to help others in need.

Growing up around hard-working folks who relied on good-paying jobs to support their families, I learned the importance of protecting workers’ rights and maintaining a strong middle class. If elected, I will listen to my constituents and be their voice in the State Legislature – fighting for them every day!

During these challenging times, fearless leadership that looks to the best interests of the people is needed throughout the country to keep our economy moving forward and keep our residents safe and secure. I will provide this type of leadership on behalf of the residents of Michigan’s House District 57!

Please vote for Aisha Farooqi on or before Nov. 5th, 2024.