She made history in November 2020, when she was elected the 23rd Mayor of Irvine, garnering the highest number of votes for the position in the city’s history, and becoming the first woman of color to hold the position and the first Muslim woman to lead a large city in the U.S. Now, as a senior vice president for Quantum eMotion America, a cybersecurity company using patented quantum physics technology for unbreakable encryption, she provides business development consulting to companies and public agencies. And this month, she’s hosting an annual Women in Tech Symposium in Irvine.
What would you tell your younger self knowing what you know now?
I would tell my younger self: You belong in every room you walk into. Do not shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Your values, your identity, and your voice are strengths, not obstacles. Trust that doing the right thing may feel lonely at times, but it will always matter in the end.
Any advice for people when they find themselves outside of their comfort zone?
Growth lives outside of comfort. If you feel uncomfortable, it often means you’re learning. Lean into it, stay curious, and trust that discomfort is temporary, but the growth lasts.
What skills have you developed from the challenges you had to overcome?
Resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to listen deeply. I learned how to stay grounded under pressure, lead with empathy, and make tough decisions without losing compassion. Leadership is not about ego, it’s about relationships, integrity, and how you treat people when no one is watching.
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