Bushra Amiwala Ignites Change at Vibrant Chicago Fundraiser for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District

Chicago, IL: 
A wave of excitement and unity swept through Khan B.B.Q Restaurant in Chicago’s Devon Avenue on June 26, 2025, as community leaders, supporters, and activists gathered to rally behind Bushra Amiwala, a trailblazing candidate for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District. The event, a fundraiser hosted from 5-7 PM, marked a pivotal moment in Amiwala’s campaign, showcasing her vision for transformative leadership and galvanizing a diverse coalition to propel her to Congress in the March 2026 primary election.

Amiwala, a first-generation American whose father arrived from Pakistan with just $20, embodies resilience and ambition. As the first Gen Z elected official in the United States and a current member of Skokie’s District 73.5 Board of Education, she has already left an indelible mark on her community. Her seven years of service have been defined by groundbreaking initiatives: championing transparency through livestreamed public meetings, ensuring accessibility with free extracurricular programs for students on free or reduced lunch, and leading the nation by introducing Halal, Kosher, and vegetarian meal options in schools. Now, she’s set her sights on Washington, D.C., to advocate for healthcare, education, housing, and economic security.

The evening buzzed with energy as attendees, reflecting the district’s rich diversity—58% White (including an estimated 11% Arab Americans), 15% Asian, 14% Hispanic, 9% Black, and 4% other—came together to support Amiwala’s vision. The district, a white-minority region where 35.1% of households speak a non-English language like Spanish, Polish, or Urdu, found a unifying voice in Amiwala’s call for inclusive leadership.

Sponsorship tiers, ranging from Bronze ($200) to Platinum ($2,000+), underscored the community’s commitment to fueling her campaign. Supporters filled Khan B.B.Q, savoring aromatic dishes while pledging their support through donations and checks mailed to P.O. Box 911, Skokie, IL 60076, payable to Bushra for Congress. The event was a testament to the grassroots momentum building around Amiwala’s platform, which prioritizes Medicare for All, humanitarian aid over military spending, protecting education from executive overreach, combating climate change, and fostering economic security through clean energy jobs.

Sohan Joshi, Director of the Alliance of Indians in America and North American College, set the tone with an impassioned speech. “Bushra Amiwala is the new generation of leadership we need—active, intelligent, and ready to represent us in Washington,” Joshi declared. “It’s our job to ensure she wins, and our support will send her to Congress to fight for us.”

Zakiuddin Mohammad, Vice Chancellor of North American College and a director at the Alliance of Indians in America, echoed Joshi’s enthusiasm. “We’re here to raise funds and build a movement for Bushra,” Mohammad said. “Her campaign for District 9 is about uplifting every voice in this diverse community. With the support of Khan B.B.Q and our dedicated team, we’re confident she’ll make a difference.”

Sufyan Feroze, who drove from Naperville with his wife Neha Shagufta, spoke to Amiwala’s historic candidacy. “Bushra is the youngest Muslim congressional candidate for District 9, and I believe in her vision,” Feroze said. “I urge everyone to show up, donate generously, and join this movement. She’s here to make a difference, not just history.”

Mahek Feroze, a businesswoman and entrepreneur, delivered a heartfelt endorsement, emphasizing Amiwala’s role as a trailblazer for Muslim women. “As a mother and a woman in this community, I’m inspired by Bushra’s strength,” she said. “Being a young Muslim woman in politics is no small feat, but she’s breaking barriers and showing what’s possible. We’re here to celebrate her and encourage everyone to support her campaign.”

Umaima Feroz, a passionate advocate for community empowerment, added a creative spark to the evening by presenting Amiwala with a handcrafted poster titled “Bushra’s Brigade: Igniting Change in 2026.” The vibrant artwork, adorned with symbols of unity and progress, captured the spirit of the campaign and inspired attendees to rally behind Amiwala’s vision. “This poster represents our collective hope,” Feroz said. “Bushra’s leadership will light the way for a brighter future.” Amiwala herself took the stage to a roaring crowd, delivering a powerful message of unity and action. “Assalamu alaikum, peace be upon you all,” she began. “I’ve served this community for seven years, from education to nonprofit work, and now I’m running to represent Illinois’s 9th District in Congress. We’re facing a national crisis, and I’m committed to fighting for healthcare over medical bankruptcies, education over student debt, and housing over homelessness. I refuse to be bought in this election—my priority is the everyday voices of this district.”

Her priorities resonate deeply in a district grappling with economic and social challenges. Amiwala’s advocacy for Medicare for All addresses the healthcare insecurities faced by many, while her focus on clean energy jobs aligns with the urgent need to combat climate change while boosting employment. Her commitment to humanitarian aid and protecting education reflects a forward-thinking approach to governance that prioritizes people over politics.

The event also highlighted Amiwala’s remarkable journey. A Google tech professional with an MBA from Kellogg-Northwestern, she has been recognized as Glamour Magazine’s College Woman of the Year, Seventeen Magazine’s Voice of the Year, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Her story has been featured in documentaries on Hulu, Amazon, and PBS, cementing her as a role model for future leaders. As an International Peace Ambassador Award recipient from the United Nations, Amiwala’s global perspective informs her local mission.

Neha Shagufta, a Muslim businesswoman and wife of Sufyan Feroze, emphasized Amiwala’s defiance of stereotypes. “Bushra is the opposite of what people think Muslim women are—she’s independent, strong, and a true leader,” Shagufta said. “We’re supporting her to win in 2026 because she represents the future of our community.”

The fundraiser was more than an event; it was a rallying cry for a new era of leadership. Attendees left inspired, with many pledging to spread the word through bushraforcongress.com and tinyurl.com/DonateBushra. As the March 2026 primary approaches, Amiwala’s campaign is gaining momentum, fueled by a community united in its belief that change is not just possible but imminent.

On behalf of Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA, we extend our heartfelt support to Bushra Amiwala’s campaign. Her vision for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District embodies the values of inclusion, progress, and community empowerment that we champion. Join us in igniting change with Bushra for Congress.