The Heart Behind the Work
My connection to Mankato began when I was a little girl. My family lived here when I was young, and although life eventually took me away, Mankato stayed a part of my story. After I married John, we returned to Mankato to build a life of our own.
We came back with the hope and a desire to build something meaningful. We started our business and worked hard to make a home here. Like any young family, there were challenges along the way, but there were also people who welcomed us and gave us a chance to become part of this community.
Over time, Mankato became more than the place where we lived and worked. It became home.
John and I built our business here and raised our girls. We watched neighborhoods grow, businesses open and close, and our community evolve. Most importantly, I got to know Mankato through the people who make it what it is. That is what eventually led me to public service.
As a business owner, I understood the importance of making difficult decisions and finding a way forward when there isn't an easy answer. As a mother, I understood that decisions made by our city aren't just about budgets and policies, they are about people, their families, their businesses, their neighborhoods and their hopes for the future. I felt the importance of that perspective at the table where decisions were being made.
Eight years as mayor have taught me that leadership isn't about having every answer. Sometimes the right answer isn't clear and there isn't an easy solution. Sometimes you realize you could have handled something differently, but more importantly you need to learn from that and grow, because at the end of the day we can always do better. But through every challenge, one thing has never wavered, and that is my love for Mankato and the people who call it home.
That love is what keeps me showing up. It is why I listen and why I care about the details. It is why I want to understand different points of view, even when we don't agree. It is also why I am still so grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Mankato gave my family a place to build our life. It gave us friendships, opportunities and a community to call our own. I don't take that for granted. Serving Mankato is my way of giving back to the place that has been part of my story for so much of my life, and the place I am proud to call home.
With that said, there is still so much more to do. I have a vision for where Mankato can still go, and I have the energy, ideas and determination to keep working toward it. I’m excited about what is ahead, not because the work is finished, but because I believe our best days can still be in front of us.
I love this community and believe in its future. Together I believe we can do great things in the next four years. I hope you'll stand beside me, with your support and voice. Thank you.
Najwa
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