Meet Nasra Wehelie
My journey to Wisconsin began in Somalia over three decades ago. Driven by hope and a desire for a better life, my family decided to call Wisconsin our home. We raised our four children in Madison, instilling in them the importance of education, hard work, and giving back to their community.
To further my education, I earned a degree in International Relations at UW Madison, where all four of my children went on to study (Go Badgers!). I then received a Master's in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University.
Graduating with young children was a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. I vividly remember the overwhelming feeling of balancing coursework and motherhood. But in those moments of doubt (and many sleepless nights), I was fortunate to be surrounded by family and community members who lifted me up, cheered me on, and stood by me as I walked across the graduation stage.
Empowered Women Empower Women
My education journey ignited a passion within me—a passion for empowering women to take leadership in their community. As a founding member of the Wisconsin Women’s Entrepreneur organization, an advisory council member of WWBIC, and President of the African Women’s Association, I've dedicated my career to advocating for women's leadership.
YWCA Madison Woman of Distinction Leadership Award (2021)
Black Power Wisconsin's 51 Most Influential Black Leaders (2020)
Wisconsin Leadership Awards Community Choice Finalist for Woman of Excellence (2020)
Partners for Change Visionary Award (2018)
AFRICaide International Women's Day Trailblazers Award (2017)
Muslim Interscholastic Tournament Best Coach Award (2017)
BRAVA Magazine Women to Watch (2015)
Community Advocacy
Recognizing the vital link between economic development and community engagement, I ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a consulting business Empathy 4 Equity LLC, which facilitates empathy between organizations and their employees.
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Whether mentoring youth and women or serving on various boards in organizations that advocate for marginalized communities, I have made it my purpose to serve my community in any way I can.
Organization Board of Directors Experience
Wisconsin League of Municipalities Board Member, 2021-Present
Boys and Girls Club of Dane County Board Member, 2017-Present
Madison Area Transportation Planning Board Board Member, 2021-2023
Water Utility Board Board Member, 2021-2023
Madison Downtown Rotary Board Member, 2018-2020
UW Madison Morgridge Center for Public Service, Board Member, 2013- 2020
YMCA Moxie Conference Committee Member, 2012-2014
Superintendent Human Relation Advisory Council (MMSD), 2011-2019
Wisconsin Youth Company Board Member, 2011-2015
Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advisory Council, 2010-2015
Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs Business Development Director, 2010-2015
State Superintendent Tony Evers Parent Advisory Council, 2010-2013
A Call to Serve Our Community
In 2020, amidst the hardships brought on by the pandemic, I felt a calling to serve our community in a new way by joining the Madison Common Council, serving across committees such as Economic Development, Sustainability Madison, the Equal Opportunity Commission, Childhood Care & Education, Aging, and Transportation.
My initiatives included securing a $1.8 million budget to build a community park for Country Grove, boosting economic development by allocating training funds for developers of color, alleviating water utility bill burdens, securing budget allocations for Civil Rights Department positions, and supporting small businesses. I advocated for community policing transparency and mental health programs while fostering a more equitable and prosperous Madison for all residents.
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In my time as an elected official, I'm proud to have sponsored over 300 pieces of passed legislation and have served on 15 boards and commissions:
​City-County Homeless Issues Committee
Committee on Aging
Common Council Executive Committee
Early Childhood Care and Education Committee
Economic Development Committee
Equal Opportunities Commission​
Madison Area Transportation Planning Board
President's Work Group on Racial Justice, Antiracism and Equity
President's Work Group to Review and Revise the Chief of Staff Position
Redistricting Committee
Sister City Collaboration Committee
Sustainable Madison Committee
Task Force on the Structure of City Government
Transportation Commission
Water Utility Board
The New District 80
As a proud Wisconsinite, one of the issues close to my heart has been advocating for fair maps in our state to ensure fair representation for all. It was a moment of profound significance when Governor Tony Evers signed the new maps into law in February 2024, redrawing State Assembly District 80 to encompass 80% of new eligible voters.
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I decided to run for State Assembly because I was committed to ensuring that residents has a choice on the ballot. Our elections need to truly reflect the will of the people. By advocating for fair maps and equitable representation, we're not just shaping the political landscape—we're upholding the very essence of democracy itself.
