Who is Lauren Underwood? Working for the youngest black woman to serve in congress

3/4/2022

By Yosor Alwan

Lauren Underwood a Democrat from Naperville, Illinois had become the youngest black woman in history to be sworn into the house of Representatives. Congresswoman Underwood was sworn into the 116th U.S. Congress on January 3, 2019. Congresswoman Underwood is the first woman of color, the first person of color, and the first millenial to represent her community in Congress. Underwood is also the youngest African American woman to serve in the United States House of Representatives. As a first generation college student as well as being a daughter of immigrants working for Underwood is a truly inspiring job that I am able to do. Working with a woman who is changing history is an everlasting feeling for me, one that empowers me and makes me hopeful for our country. One of my favorite things about Underwood is her progressiveness in Congress and efficiently passing legislation. Prior to becoming a Congresswoman, she was a nurse and she had also worked with a Medicaid plan in Chicago to ensure that it provided high-quality, cost-efficient care. As a result of this, she is a very strong advocate for health care and as well as mental health due to her prior occupation of being in the healthcare field, and this is reflected in her policywork as a Congresswoman. As of March 22,2022 Underwood (Il-14) announces $111 million in the federal budget to support grants to help schools in their efforts to address mental health challenges facing students, families, and staff that were exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. "Countless students, families, and teachers have told me about the dire need for greater mental health supports at school, I am proud to have worked in a bipartisan way to secure $111 million- the maximum allowable funding- to strengthen programs that will improve mental well-being for our young people and their communities" - stated by Lauren Underwood. Mental health is often viewed as a subject of taboo, and the mental health of the youth is often an issue that is overlooked. The fact that Underwood was able to pass legislation in a bipartisan way that secured $111 million in funding is an irrefutable dispute of Underwood's dedication to her community.