My name is Laila Ali and I am a first year majoring in Political Science. I went to an under-resourced rural high school where opportunities weren’t just handed to us—we had to create them. I saw the gaps firsthand: the lack of funding, the absence of cultural representation, and the limited resources for students like me. But instead of accepting it, I worked to change it. I organized Culture Day to celebrate diversity, created student-led initiatives and organizations to bring more resources and opportunities to my peers. I know what it’s like to feel unheard, to see problems and wonder if anyone is going to step up. And I know the power of taking action, of creating change instead of waiting for it. That’s why I’m running for Senate. I love the feeling of making a difference—of turning ideas into real improvements that help people. At Stanford, I see the same need for advocacy, student support, and real change. I want to take the same passion that drove me in high school and use it to make Stanford a place where every student feels supported, valued, and heard.
MY EXPERIENCES:
Gender Equity : Through Stanford Women in Politics, I organized programming events that uplift women’s voices in policy and governance.
DEI & Cultural Support : Through the SAPling program, I am proposing a bill to support cultural houses and pre-professional orgs, ensuring they are well supported.
FLI Advocacy : As a THRIVE participant, I understand firsthand the importance of mentorship and institutional support for FLI students .
Leadership : At Girls Nation, as one of 2/450 California representatives, I debated policy and gained hands-on legislative experience.
Civic Dialogue : I serve on the Advisory Board for Unify America, bridging political divides and fostering meaningful discussions nationwide.
Environmental Advocacy : I led a 503c nonprofit, the Junior Philanthropists Organization, organizing lobbying efforts & training 200+ youth advocates for environmental policy change.
Legislative Experience : As a legislative intern for the California Assembly, I worked on education policy and student rights, gaining first hand experience in government.
All of these experiences have shaped my ability to collaborate, advocate, and lead. Whether it’s fighting for FLI students, protecting cultural spaces, or bridging political divides, I know how to work with others to make meaningful change—and I’m ready to bring that same dedication to the ASSU Senate.
More information about me & my platform here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xNXJJmg7PZbFPWoZ5QwTtKikreAftLl-s4YsIdY0PeQ/edit?usp=sharing
MY PLATFORM:
1. Expand Themed Housing Options
Establish a South Asian House and/or a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) House to provide a supportive community for students from different backgrounds, fostering discussions on history, identity, and shared experiences.
Strengthen existing cultural-themed housing, such as Casa Zapata and Ujamaa
2. Protecting Mental Health Initiatives
Strengthen funding and institutional support for The Bridge Peer Counseling Center to ensure round-the-clock access to mental health resources.
Push for increased mental health service availability
Advocate for reduced wait times for CAPS appointments.
3. Advocating for FLI Initiatives
As a THRIVER, I am committed to protecting FLI initiatives, ensuring the new pre-orientation program's success.
Work toward re-expanding THRIVE & SOAR, providing more students with opportunities to access mentorship, community, and support.
4. Campus Safety
Increased campus lighting in poorly lit areas to improve nighttime safety.
Expand and improve 5-SURE hours to ensure students have safe, reliable late-night transportation.
5. International Student Support
Push for a more organized international student orientation with more communication
International peer mentorship program through the Bechtel Center.
Push for more cultural events and integration programs that allow international students to connect
As your ASSU Senator, I will fight to strengthen mental health resources, protect FLI initiatives, expand cultural housing, and support international students—because every Cardinal deserves a campus that uplifts them! So VOTE Laila Ali for Senate, lets make change together <3
