MEET NASRA WEHELIE
CANDIDATE FOR WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY 80
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 three of my children went on to study. With the support of my family, I 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, motherhood, and pursuing my dreams. 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.
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.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Recognizing the vital link between economic development and community engagement, I ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a consulting business Empathy 4 Equity LLC in 2021, which facilitates empathy between organizations and their employees.
The intersectionality of being an immigrant, black Muslim woman has shaped my worldviews and perspectives. I am driven by three values—faith, family, and community. These values have motivated and inspired me to work hard for change and increase opportunities for others. 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.
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
PUBLIC SERVICE
In 2020, amidst the hardships brought on by the pandemic, I felt a calling to serve my 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.
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.
I'm committed to ensuring that residents have a choice on the ballot and that our elections 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.
FORWARD!
I invite you to join me on this journey of progress and change. As a State Assembly member, I will advocate for issues that matter most to our community, such as attainable housing, education reform, safer neighborhoods, and so much more.
With your support and vote on August 13th for the primary and November 3rd for the general election, I am committed to working hard each day to ensure a stronger Wisconsin for all.
Nasra Wehelie
Candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly 80
