THREAD (1/7): I truly believe that for myself and others @SoniaChangDiaz would be such an impactful governor due to both the intersectionality of her policy and the representation she would provide. Here’s why:

Representation alone won’t move us forward....but the combination of representation&dedication to fighting for your(&other) vulnerable communiti(es) WILL

I’ve grappled a lot with my Latina identity as someone who’s not just half Latina but half Costa Rican- growing up the already existing cultural disconnect that I felt was exercerbated by near 0 Latina representation (especially in areas I was interested in).

What representation I did have still felt not totally right, as Latinidad is made up of SO MANY different cultures and experiences& mass generalizations in both politics &media often fail to acknowledge that. I had to search high and low to find those who shared my experiences.

Latines are the most rapidly expanding demographic in MA & I am sure that having Sen Chang Diaz as governor will positively impact many many young Latinas like myself, giving them a multi dimensional progressive, community oriented leader to look up who is proud of her heritage.

Yet I am also a white Latina, and I know that the oversimplification of latinidad also leads to policy decisions that replicate existing stratification within it. As someone who is also half Costa Rican, and who is Chinese Costa Rican, I know Sen. Chang Diaz understands the

complexities and intersectional issues of Latinidad. As such, I am inspired by the way her policy seeks to effectively serve all members of the Latinx community of MA in addition to members of other vulnerable communities

For example: consider her work on the SOA, which, as the most comprehensive overhaul of education funding, targeted the intersectionality that race, class, disability, language learning/immigration and more, play a role in school resources/student success!