The clatter of plates and silverware and the sizzle of food on grills dies down, and deafening applause rises to greet the young woman stepping up to the microphone. Over 100 people have crowded into a local restaurant to hear her speak. The crowd is friendly and energized, excited to support their candidate for County Board. Their choice?

Bushra Amiwala, a 19-year-old Muslim woman who graduated from Niles North in 2016 and began her collegiate journey at DePaul University. Her political interests have always been a part of her character; she was a part of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and was the president of mock trial during her time as a Viking.

Amiwala is running to represent the 13th District in Cook County. If elected, she will be the first Muslim woman to serve on the Court. She will also bring female representation; currently, 15 of the 17 members are men, all over the age of 50.

Not many people expect to elect a 19-year-old to a seat on their District’s County Board, but as people listen to her, they become convinced that she is the perfect fit.

“Bushra came to me about three weeks ago….she says she’d like to do a fundraising event. I thought – she initially said maybe 20 or 30 people. I really didn’t expect the kind of turnout tonight,” Masood Ahmad, owner of Marilyn’s restaurant, stated. Around 130 people came to support Bushra at the dinner.

“I was a bit skeptical at first….I had no idea whether or not she would win – I thought she had no chance of winning. But seeing the amount of work she’s put in, and the amount of support she’s been gaining recently, it’s been amazing, and I’m really proud to call her my sister,” Mohammed Amiwala, senior, said.

“I met with (a committee who) told me that they liked my message….they said, ‘Hey, we want to donate $54,500 to your campaign.” Amiwala was told that small local businesses were putting up the money; upon more research, she discovered that the benefactors were several large soda companies. “I don’t think regressive flat taxes are the answer,” Amiwala explained. “(But) I was not in favor of large corporations getting involved in politics….to basically buy out elections.” Amiwala turned down the money.

If you’re over 18, you can help by collecting signatures and voting for Amiwala. If you’re under 18, you can still help out with donations this holiday season and making phone calls for her a little later in the campaign. With nearly 100 days until the election, every bit helps.