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At just 21, Tesneem Amine isn’t waiting for permission to lead. As she runs for a seat on the District 230 school board, she’s proving that representation matters—not just for women, but for young voices, for communities that are often overlooked, and for those who believe in change.
For Amine, leadership isn’t about politics—it’s about service. “The school board isn’t about party lines,” she said. “It’s about advocating for students and families and making sure our schools reflect the needs of the community.”
A recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, Amine holds a degree in criminology, law, and justice with a minor in psychology. She currently works as an early childhood educator and a court interpreter, balancing multiple roles while staying committed to public service. But her passion for advocacy started long before she ever considered running for office.
“I have attended several board meetings in the past, and I truly believe that the board would benefit from having a young voice,” Amine said. “Even though they’ve done great things, I think this is a great position for someone like me. I was a student in District 230, and now as an educator, I understand both perspectives.”
Her involvement in the Future Justice Lawyers of Chicago program solidified her passion for education policy. As part of the program, she researched the school-to-prison pipeline, focusing on how policies impact graduation rates and student well-being. “Schools play a major role in shaping kids’ futures, whether they go on to pursue higher education or enter the workforce,” she said. “We need leaders who understand how policies impact students and who are willing to make the necessary changes.”
For Amine, Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating past achievements—it’s about opening doors for future generations. “We need more women in leadership, especially because they understand the challenges young women and girls face,” she said. “Times have changed, and leadership should reflect that.”
“We need more women in leadership—especially young women—because we understand the challenges our generation faces.”
But stepping into public life at a young age comes with challenges. “I was nervous when I decided to run,” she admitted. “There’s this unspoken expectation that we should stay behind the scenes. But I knew that if I wanted to see change, I had to be part of it.”
Despite the obstacles, she hasn’t faced the skepticism that many women in leadership roles experience. Instead, she’s been met with curiosity and, in some cases, unexpected support. “I believe in the self-fulfilling prophecy—if you go into something expecting negativity, you’ll find it,” she said. “But I chose to go into this with confidence, knowing that if I am honest with my constituents and put in the work, I’ll gain the support I need.”
Even when she encounters bias, Amine refuses to let it define her. “I wear my headscarf with pride, and while I’ve faced Islamophobic comments in the past, I don’t let that dictate how I approach people,” she said. “When I canvass, I talk to everyone—even those who might hold biases. And I’ve been surprised by the support I’ve received from people I wouldn’t have expected.”
Her advice to young women aspiring to lead? “Don’t let the world shape your thoughts. Go into the world driven by your passion and purpose. Don’t assume people will be against you—approach them as a human being first, and they’ll see you for who you are.”
She added: “You define yourself—don’t let others do it for you. Your brain can be your biggest ally or your toughest opponent. If you walk into the world expecting hostility, you’ll find it everywhere. But if you walk in with confidence, believing in your worth, you’ll pave the way for your own success. Stay humble, be honest, and stand for what’s right, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.”
As for what’s next, Amine has her sights set on law school, with a focus on constitutional and civil litigation. “Some people think I won’t be able to balance law school and being on the board, but I’ve balanced two jobs and college before. I know I can do this,” she said.
Her journey has been anything but conventional. She started college at 16, waking up before dawn to catch the bus for zero-hour classes, taking summer courses to graduate early, and working multiple jobs to make it happen. “It was exhausting, but I had a goal, and I wasn’t going to stop until I achieved it,” she said.
Through it all, she hopes her story sends a message to young women—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—that nothing is out of reach. “If you’re willing to put in the work and push through the doubt—yours and others’—you can make things happen,” she said.
Amine’s story is proof that leadership isn’t reserved for the experienced—it’s for those willing to step up and create change.
The post Alum Tesneem Amine pushing for change at SD230 appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.