2007 New Leader Spotlight: Alexandria Barabin   School: California State University-Northridge Program: 2007 CPL New Leader

How have you been a leader in your community?

I have had the humble honor of being a leader on and off of my college campus, in church, and in my campus community. Through leadership training, conference coordination and academic tutorials, I have worked to equip others with the skills, resources and ability to excel academically, as well as personally. Serving as a resident advisor, program coordinator, and student tutor has given me the opportunity to really listen and be attuned to the needs and concerns of young leaders. My goal is to improve the environment that students learn in, increase the resources available to them, expand their range of options, and expose them to greater opportunities as they develop into leaders. 

What personal values most shape your political beliefs?

Many of my personal values shape my political beliefs. As a God-fearing woman, I know that faith and progressive politics are not in extreme opposition of each other. I also believe that politicians are only advocates for the people. Political leadership should reflect the people, both in message and in diverse representations. Additionally, if leadership consistently serves its own self interest, ignoring the interest of the people, it is my right, and responsibility, to hold them accountable! If that means signing petitions, marching in the streets, making some noise, then that is what needs to be done until they are uncomfortable enough to take some alternative action.

What are your long-term leadership interests?

While my long-term goals continue to be shaped, those goals will revolve around my interest in leadership, life skills, education and academic within communities of color, with a focus on African-American communities.

What does “Progressive” mean to you?

Progressive means to be in forward productive motion; to not be content with the status quo; to want and seek means the means to make political and social improvements; to enforce accountability and demand action; to work toward change in a liberating direction.

What long-term change do you want to help bring to your community?

California is a unique state. We are considered to be liberal or progressive as a yellow dog "blue" state during national elections. However, we lead in the expansion of the prison industrial complex and sluggishly stand towards the end of the line in national education rates for middle and high schools. Of course the numbers are marred with racial and economic disparities, only highlighting the continued injustice many face daily. Those students of color who do overcome this system and make it to college have a difficult time graduating due to economic conflicts, poor college preparation in high schools and the challenge of cultural acclamation. I want to help change the conditions for those students by supplying them with resources and support, both educational and economic, vastly increasing their chances of graduation, ultimately affecting their lives and those of the people around them.

How do you envision the New Leaders Program in helping you achieve your goals?

Being in this program has meant a wealth of networking opportunities. Between CPL trainers, our weekly speakers, the other New Leaders in the program, and my actual internship site, I have met and made so many contacts with people all across the progressive field.

What attracted you to the CPL New Leaders Program?

I really wanted the opportunity to work in DC with a non-profit or political organization, but I had no idea where to begin. CPL investigates each organization they partner with and places us with the most suitable one. And, to be honest, it was one of few paid internships. I come from a working class family, and it would have been impossible to live in a new area, while maintaining financial and family needs at home, without some manner of income for three months. CPL has designed a program that is inclusive to those of all financial classes. That makes a huge impact on the group dynamic of the program.

What did you get out of the New Leaders Program?

The New Leaders Program has given me training on important areas of progressive professionalism. It has exposed me to another world of non-profit work. It has challenged me to work out of my comfort zone while building my strengths as a leader.