meet iman
THE AMERICAN DREAM
When I talk about the American Dream, it isn’t some trite or cliche political phrase I throw around. It is my family’s story and it’s my mission - to make sure everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream.
My parents, Mohamad and Siham, immigrated to Colorado from Palestine as refugees in 1974, seeking safety, opportunity, and freedom—the American Dream. And they found it.
For over 50 years, they worked tirelessly, starting and growing multiple small businesses while raising a family. Through their dedication, they built a life filled with love, community, and service, setting an inspiring example for all of us.
I’m continually in awe of what my parents achieved. They started with nothing and gave my two brothers, my sister, and me a quintessential American upbringing. Growing up in Aurora, I attended the Cherry Creek School system—Ponderosa Elementary, Prairie Middle School, and Overland High School. We played sports, explored the mountains, and cheered on the Broncos every Sunday.
The land of milk and honey
It’s not lost on me what my childhood could have looked like if my parents had never made it to Colorado. But my parents insisted that we visit Palestine in the summers to maintain strong ties to our heritage, history, culture, and language.
Mom would take all four of us while Dad stayed back to continue working hard at our family-owned deli. Those summers in Palestine are some of the happiest times in my life—at my grandparents' home, basking under the summer sun, playing Uno under the lemon tree.
At the same time, visiting my parents’ homeland exposed me to the harsh realities of war, violence, and oppression at a very young age—a stark contrast to the safety, peace, and freedom I experienced in Aurora.
And yet, I’m grateful for those experiences because they made me realize that much of the same oppression I experienced in Palestine had been and was manifesting itself in different forms for other vulnerable and marginalized communities here in Aurora and the United States.
OASIS DELI
Working in our family deli shaped me in ways I wouldn’t trade for anything. At just eight years old, I spent weekends and school breaks standing on a stool to reach the cash register and stocking the shelves. By 13, I could help run the deli while keeping up with school.
Located at 17th and Logan in Denver, the deli wasn’t just a business—it was a classroom for life. While I enjoyed typical childhood activities, I also learned how to manage responsibilities and interact with people from all walks of life. Those experiences gave me a perspective far beyond my years.
The deli introduced me to the beauty and complexity of humanity, opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity, and ingrained in me a deep commitment to inclusion and fairness. That foundation is why discrimination has always felt so incomprehensible to me.
Continuing to Serve
My commitment to service is deeply rooted in my early experiences and an enduring sense of responsibility to my community.
In 2008, I founded Meet the Middle East (MTME), an educational nonprofit that fosters understanding through education, consulting, and immersion travel. Over a decade, I led Coloradans on journeys to one of the world’s most misunderstood regions, bridging cultural divides and humanizing stories often overlooked. Through MTME, I discovered the power of education inside and outside the classroom, advocating in ways I never imagined possible.
In 2017, amidst rising discriminatory policies, the Colorado Muslim Society—the largest and oldest mosque in the Rocky Mountain region—appointed me its first female spokesperson. Representing Colorado’s Muslim community on critical social justice issues statewide was an honor, championing inclusion, equity, and fairness for all.
These roles have strengthened my resolve and expanded my capacity to serve, reinforcing my belief that meaningful change comes from empowering others and working together toward a more just and equitable future.
I want to serve you
As a legislator, my work has only deepened my understanding of how elusive the American Dream remains for so many, shaped by the interwoven forces of discrimination, oppression, and policy. Serving in the legislature, I’ve had the privilege of working with colleagues, advocacy groups, and community organizations to craft and pass policies that directly improve people’s daily lives. These experiences have reaffirmed the critical need for dedicated public servants—leaders who will work tirelessly to ensure our government is doing everything possible to make the American Dream an achievable reality for everyone.
