A’shanti F. Gholar is one of today’s most influential leaders at the intersection of racial equity, gender equity, and politics. She was named by She the People as one of “20 Women of Color in Politics to Watch” who will play an impactful role in the 2020 elections and beyond.

She is the President & CEO of Emerge, the nation’s largest network of women elected officials and candidates. In February 2020, A’shanti became the first Black woman to lead Emerge – but she wasn’t new to the Emerge family then. A’shanti grew up in Las Vegas and co-founded Emerge Nevada in 2006, and credits Emerge Nevada’s success in building the first majority-woman state legislature in the country as one of the reasons her nieces and nephews are growing up in a better Nevada. 

A’shanti formally joined Emerge as national political director in 2016. In that role, she expanded Emerge’s strategy to include the South, seeing it as fertile ground for Democrats. As president, she led the organization in pivoting to center the women of the New American Majority — Black, Brown, and Indigenous women and women of color, as well as LGBTQ+, young, and unmarried women — a political force for winning elections in this country and who deserve better representation in office. 

Under A’shanti’s leadership, Emerge has experienced unprecedented growth and success. With affiliates in over two dozen states, more than 1,200 alums in office, and over 7,000 Democratic women trained to run for office and win, Emerge has become a force to be reckoned with in the political landscape. A’shanti’s vision and strategic direction have been instrumental in this journey. 

Before coming home to Emerge, A’shanti was a grassroots organizer and activist for women, communities of color, and progressive causes for over 20 years. She has experience building coalitions, developing programs, and furthering community and political engagement. Before Emerge, A’shanti served as the National Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Director of African American Engagement for the Democratic National Committee. A’shanti has also served as the Manager of National Partnerships for United Way Worldwide, a political appointee in the Obama Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Director of Public Engagement for the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee in Charlotte, NC.

A’shanti is the founder of The Brown Girls Guide to Politics and its award-winning podcast, which was recognized by The Guardian as a “practical guide to progressive activism.”

A’shanti’s contributions have earned numerous recognitions. Most recently, Gholar was named a 2025-2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader. She has previously been honored with the Transformational Leader Award by GAIN Power, the Changemaker Award by African American Women in Business Careers, and named a top woman of color in policy by Walker’s Legacy, Her advocacy efforts have also been featured by numerous publications, including The Cut from New York magazine, Rolling Out, and CQ Roll Call magazine.

A’shanti also serves as an Aspen Institute SOAR Fellow, a Sisters on the Planet Ambassador for Oxfam America, and as a member of the Sephora Inclusive Beauty Community, further highlighting her commitment to making a difference.