As a 29 year old freshman representative from the Bronx, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is one of the most famous political figures in Congress today. Although she can’t pass policy on her own just yet, she has become a mouthpiece for the youth of today, trailblazing every step of the way.
Born in the Bronx, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is the daughter of middle-class Puerto Ricans. AOC studied at Boston University, and became a community organizer when she graduated. She worked on Bernie Sanders’ campaign in 2016 and, when hard times fell on her family, she began waiting tables at a taco restaurant, proving the strength and resilience of her spirit.
However, her real story began when in 2017 she launched her campaign against Crowley, the democratic representative that had been unchallenged in the race for over 10 years. AOC connected with her community and rallied for votes, winning by an overhwelming majority. Â Her down to earth manner has gained her massive following, and just this March she was on the cover of Times.
AOC is currently championing for women’s reproductive rights, environmental policy action and much more. She is a voice for not just the people of Bronx, but for any marginalized group in America. Her place in congress is just the beginning of a wave of female politicians that are pioneering change. They are a glimmer of hope in the sea of darkness that is Trump’s America.
It goes beyond her standing in congress -Alexandria Ocasio Cortez in an inspiration to millions of young people across America, proving that you don’t have to be rich, or white, to be able to have a say in our government. Not  only isshe an inspiration, but she is one of the very few proud Hispanic women to ever serve in Congress, helping shatter the ceiling that has kept minority women from being able to participate in politics. There is obviously a long road ahead to equality in the United States, but having people like AOC in office is the first step towards a brighter future.