Tennessee State Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) is the one to watch in Tennessee politics. At least, President Joe Biden thinks so.
The 37-year-old Democrat made the cut in the prestigious ranks of the White House Fellows commission, the White House announced on June 4.
Akbari, who was one of 17 “rising stars” to give a joint keynote address at the virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention, is among the 22 appointees to the president’s commission.
Commissioners are responsible for recommending a group of candidates for the prestigious White House Fellows program for leadership and public service.
White House Fellowships offer “emerging leaders” deemed to be “exceptional” a first-hand, once-in-a-lifetime experience, working at the highest levels of the Federal government.
Selected individuals will typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid fellow to senior White House staff, cabinet secretaries and other top-ranking government officials.
“These leaders represent the best of America — our collective character, creativity, and diversity,” Biden said in a statement released Friday.
“I am grateful these dedicated and accomplished Americans will help select and mentor the next class of White House Fellows who demonstrate exceptional leadership, unwavering passion, and a strong commitment to public service.”
Akbari, who is an attorney at her family’s small business, was elected to Tennessee Senate District 29 in 2019, representing Downtown Memphis and parts of Shelby County.
Previously, she had served as the representative of state House District 91 since 2013. During her career, she’s earned national and international recognition for her work to reform criminal justice policies and to improve student outcomes, according to the White House.
