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, 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 I) 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 folks 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. Being a leader in the community has always been important to me. I have worked to build bridges between the Muslim and Jewish communities, and I previously served on the Sterling Heights Zoning Board of Appeals.

Growing up around hard-working folks who relied on good-paying jobs to support their families, taught me 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 –  and I will provide this type of leadership on behalf of the residents of Michigan’s House District 57!