Anila Ali is a Pakistani-American philanthropist, writer, activist, and politician. She grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, and went to school in London, England. She migrated to California in the mid-1990s and quickly rose to prominence in the American Pakistani community. She started multiple organisations that have aided interfaith relations in the United States, and she has been frequently in the media.
Early Life and Education
Ali was born in Karachi, Pakistan. Her father was a diplomat and journalist, while her mother was a teacher and philanthropist.
She received her education in the 1980s in London, England. While studying in the UK, Ali became involved in a variety of community service programmes and became an active youth leader for the All Pakistan Women’s Association. Ali was frequently featured in the media in London-based magazines and Pakistani newspapers for South Asians while in London. She also gave remarks at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park on one Sunday when she was 16 years old. Ali’s most memorable events were attending the Queen’s Ball at Buckingham Palace for ambassadors and meeting Princess Diana.
Ali completed her ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels at Bousfield Elementary, Holland Park School, and Hammersmith and West London College.
Career
Teaching Career and Educational Experience
Anila Ali relocated to Orange County, California, for her initial work as a Resource Aide at Lakeside Middle School, and there she also pursued her studies and earned a Master’s degree in Education from Concordia University. Her later teaching experiences included internships at several Irvine schools before settling in to teach English and writing at South Bay Middle School.
IPPA Foundation
Ali’s participation with the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF), including her service on the board, led to her eventual entry into politics in 2014. Furthermore, the Irvine Pakistan Parents Association (IPPA) was formed with the goal of supporting key school programmes such as art and music, promoting South Asian arts and culture, and involving many parents in community service.
Activism and Documentary Work Following 9/11
Ali’s active participation in the Council of Pakistan American Affairs and her community effort to encourage engagement and cultural exchanges following the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Her cooperation with Zuhair Mahd on the documentary “Americans on Hold: Profiling, Prejudice, and National Security,” which focuses on the negative consequences of US counter-terrorism and immigration policy.
Political Participation, Awards, and Advocacy
Ali’s crucial role in generating significant funding for political candidates, her advocacy for India-Pakistan cooperation, and her recognition for community service by the International Leadership Foundation. Her numerous Congressional awards, recognition from law enforcement agencies such as the LAPD Counter Terrorism and the LA Sheriff’s Department, and her advocacy work on behalf of Muslims in America, particularly women, are all noteworthy.
Literary Work
After her daughter suffered discrimination at school, she wrote the children’s book “Mommy Am I a” to promote tolerance.
Delegated Role and Political Campaign
Ali was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2012, representing her 45th Congressional District. She was the first Pakistani elected in Orange County. Ali ran for Assembly District 74 in California. Keith D. Curry (R) and Matthew Harper (R) won the blanket primary against Anila Ali (D), Karina Onofre (D), and Emanuel Patrascu (R). In the general election, Harper defeated Curry.
Advocacy in Human Rights and Gender Equality
Ali is well noted for her efforts in human rights and gender equality. In recent years, she has spoken out in the media on gender issues in both Iran and Pakistan, as well as condemning the Mumbai terrorist attacks. In May 2011, Ali backed President Obama’s hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Her words of support and an op-ed were published in the New York Times the day after his death. Her white paper on Muslim Youth Radicalization was presented to the White House.
Advocacy Initiatives
Insights from Ali’s book “Three Steps Behind,” which offers a personal story of overcoming harsh patriarchal systems in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia while campaigning for gender equality and racial tolerance. Her participation on a panel at the White House Summit on Violent Extremism, significant writing on counter-extremism, and the formation of AMWEC in collaboration with LAPD Counter-terrorism are all examples of her work.
Personal Life
Anila lives in Washington, D.C. and is a devoted mother to Sara and Danyal, balancing her advocacy job with family life.
Controversies
Muslim American Activist tells DC- pro-Israel Rally “I stand before you as a friend of the Jewish people”
Dr. Rochelle Ford, president of Dillard University, talks during a pro-Israel rally in Washington, emphasising the importance of Christians supporting Jews while mourning the loss of innocent lives. She urges for empathy and love, citing the past collaboration between Black and Jewish communities, but voicing concerns about ensuring aid reaches those in greatest need. She warns against falling into hatred and against antisemitism, pushing for the release of hostages.
Following Dr. Ford, Anila Ali, expresses her continued support for the Jewish community. Declaring herself a friend of the Jewish people, she criticises actions forbidden in Islam, standing in solidarity with her Abrahamic brothers and sisters, and closes her words with the phrase “Am Yisrael Chai,” affirming the enduring nature of the Jewish people.