In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan speaks with Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman about political organizing, coalition building, and the challenges of representing her community during the ongoing crisis in Palestine. Ruwa reflects on navigating public criticism, advocating for Palestinian human rights, and balancing principle with political strategy. Together, they discuss why lasting change depends on local organizing, long-term movement building, and grassroots action, not just election cycles or viral moments, and what it takes to remain hopeful and accountable in the fight for justice.

Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman is not only a Georgia legislator, she is also an organizer, a policy strategist, and a bridge builder. Born in Jordan and the granddaughter of Palestinian refugees, Ruwa moved to Georgia with her family when she was just eight years old. Growing up as a Muslim girl in post-9/11 America, she learned early on what it meant to be misunderstood and what it would take to be heard. She’s carried that lesson with her into every aspect of her work. Ruwa has volunteered in every election cycle since 2014 to help flip Georgia blue. Whether she was organizing at the grassroots level, informing thousands of Georgians on how to vote in 2020, or helping launch the Georgia Volunteer Hub to mobilize thousands of national and local volunteers, Ruwa has been laser-focused on empowering communities to take ownership of their civic power. Ruwa served as a field organizer for the Georgia Muslim Voter Project and the Asian American Advocacy Fund, communications director for CAIR Georgia, and a trusted strategy and operations expert in both the public and private sectors. Ruwa deeply believes in fighting for a state that we can afford and where we belong. In 2022, Ruwa made history as the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia State House and the first Palestinian American elected to any office in the state. And from day one, she’s fought to take homes back from corporate landlords, lower utility costs, raise the minimum wage, support EMS services, and pushed for a more inclusive, people-powered democracy. She leads with compassion, conviction, and clarity—and she’s a fierce example of what’s possible when you stay rooted in your values and strive for systemic change. Ruwa is now running for State Senate District 7 because the old playbook has failed too many times. At a moment of fear and uncertainty, Ruwa deeply believes that when we all collectively organize, we can build a better future.

In this conversation, we explore
● Ruwa Romman's journey as one of the first Palestinian-American state legislators
● The backlash she faced after the Democratic National Convention
● Why she rejected accusations of "selling out" her community
● Organizing on the ground vs. online activism
● Why local elections and long-term political infrastructure matter
● Coalition building, political strategy, and lasting civic engagement
● The emotional toll of representation and showing up for your community

Director: Dr. Ed Hasan | 2026