Youngest ever congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is a third-generation Bronxite, educator, and organizer serving the 14th district of New York City in the Bronx and Queens.
She was told "women like me aren’t supposed to run for office". She showed otherwise. In a spectacular campaign, AOC defeated long term incumbent Representative Joseph Crowley of New York.
AOC has been using her power to tackle social and environmental issues where decision-making takes place; getting climate change and social justice at the center of the agenda for action.
AOC is one of the main advocates of the 'Green New Deal', a plan to battle economic and racial injustice while also fighting climate change. The new congresswoman’s blueprint, co-introduced by Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, aims to develop a carbon-neutral economy in 10 years, which would require huge strides in reducing the US’s reliance on oil, gas and coal.
The legislation is aimed at ensuring that climate change plans benefit low-income communities, battling environmental injustice and inequality.
The 'Green New Deal' includes several potential energy and environmental projects, such as building high-speed trains and restoring wetlands, and also far-reaching proposals such as universal healthcare and a federal job guarantee as part of the climate plan.
Read More about AOC and her work
Credits:
1. Mark Dillman; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; July 20, 2018; public domain. 2. United Nations Photo; New York City Skyline at Night; June 30, 2017; (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0). 3. Dimitri Rodriguez; Women´s March on NYC 2019; January 19, 2019; (CC BY 2.0). 4. jonny goldstein; Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez; October 29, 2018; (CC BY 2.0). 5. Ronald Woan; Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Office; December 2, 2019; (CC BY-NC 2.0).