WASHINGTON — Today, Representative-elect Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) announced that her Washington, D.C. and Arizona offices are fully staffed as she prepares to be sworn in to represent Arizona’s Third Congressional District in the 119th Congress. Ansari’s team is made up of over 50% people of color and more than 70% with Arizona ties. Her senior leadership team is composed entirely of women.
“I’m deeply honored by the trust placed in me by the people of Arizona’s Third Congressional District. As I get ready to be sworn in, I am thrilled to announce we are fully staffed with a talented and dedicated team that is ready to hit the ground running on Day One,” said Representative-elect Ansari. “This team reflects the diversity and values of our district and has the expertise needed to drive meaningful change for our community.”
Washington, D.C. and Phoenix, AZ Staff:
Sarah Ghermay, Chief of Staff
Ghermay is the proud daughter of refugees and the first in her family to graduate from college. She began her career as an educator serving students in the Bronx and Boston but most recently served as Chief of Staff and advisor to multiple members of Congress. Sarah is also the former Executive Director of an education policy and advocacy organization. She was raised in both Washington, D.C. and Ethiopia, and is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard University.
Maria Lopez, District Director
Lopez previously worked as Phoenix City Council Chief of Staff for Congresswoman-elect Ansari and as Community Relations Manager for the Phoenix Public Library. Maria comes with a deep understanding of AZ-03, previously working for Senator-elect Ruben Gallego, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Mayor Kate Gallego. She is a first-generation American and a graduate of Arizona State University.
Kaitlin Hooker, Communications Director and Senior Advisor
Hooker most recently worked as Communications Director for Congresswoman Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK). Her prior roles include Spokesperson and Press Secretary for Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Communications Director for former Congressman Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ) for three years. She was raised in Arizona and is a graduate of the University of Arizona.
Daisy Martinez, Press and Digital Secretary
Martinez served as Deputy Press Secretary for the Harris-Walz campaign in Arizona. Her experience includes serving as Communications Manager for the Democratic Attorneys General Association and working on the campaign of Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). She is a first-generation Mexican-American raised in Arizona and a graduate of Arizona State University.
Paniz Rezaeerod, Legislative Director
Rezaeerod previously served as the Deputy Director of Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior under Secretary Deb Haaland. Her previous roles include the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and the House Financial Services Committee, and former Congressman Joe Cunningham (D-SC). A first-generation American born in Iran, Paniz is a graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South.
Jordyn Hodges-Wilson, Director of Operations and Scheduling
Hodges-Wilson previously worked as Campaign Manager for Congresswoman-elect Ansari’s campaign and served as her Phoenix City Council Community Manager. Jordyn’s campaign experience includes roles across the country and with the Arizona Democratic Coordinated Campaign in 2020. She was raised in Arizona and is a graduate of Arizona State University.
Aaron Kane, Policy Advisor
Kane previously worked as an Economic Development Specialist at the City of Phoenix and as Phoenix City Council Policy Director for Congresswoman-elect Ansari. He was raised in rural Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Columbia University.
Zachary Freiman, Senior Legislative Assistant
Freiman worked as a Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown (D-OH) where he covered immigration, federal government oversight and foreign policy. He is currently earning his Masters in Security Studies at Georgetown University and is a graduate of Pomona College. Freiman is originally from Sleepy Hollow, NY.
Kian Rajaeian, Legislative Correspondent
Rajaeian previously served as Field Director for Congresswoman-elect Ansari’s campaign. Raised in Iran, Kian is a resident of AZ-03 and is a graduate of Arizona State University.
Andrew Simek, Field Representative and District Operations Manager
Simek is a former educator and previously worked as Regional Organizing Director for the Arizona Democratic Party in South and West Phoenix. He was raised in Arizona and is a graduate of Ottawa University Arizona.
Patrick Magliocchino, Executive Assistant
Magliocchino switched careers from banking to public service in order to pursue his passion for serving communities. He previously worked as a Legislative Correspondent and Operations Manager on Capitol Hill. He is a graduate of Villanova University.
Jose Medina, Senior Federal Casework Manager
Medina is a veteran and previously served as a Wounded Warrior Fellow for Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA) and as Outreach Coordinator for Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ).
Morgan Beaven, Federal Casework Manager
Beaven previously served as Phoenix City Council Constituent Services Manager for Congresswoman-elect Ansari and is a graduate of Arizona State University.
Lurissa Carbajal, Federal Casework Manager
Carbajal previously served as Border and Immigration Affairs Representative in the United States Senate. She is a first-generation Mexican-American raised in Arizona and is a graduate of Arizona State University.
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