Meet Ny’Asia Brackett, NGP VAN account executive
At NGP VAN, we’re proud to have a team of dedicated campaign pros who connect Democratic and progressive candidates with the tools they need to win. We chatted with Ny’Asia Brackett, one of our state and local account executives, about what drove her to get politically involved and what fuels her commitment to the progressive movement and getting more Democrats elected nationwide.
Can you walk us through what drove you to get involved in politics?
As a 19-year-old in college, I had some friends who decided that they wanted to run for the New Jersey Board of Education. We challenged the board president that year and ran an impressive campaign, but we came up just 37 votes short. But the election helped me realize the power of organizing and the importance of electing local elected officials who could address issues facing the community and help advance progress on the issues I cared about.
I always knew I wanted to be an advocate, and that campaign made me realize that I can help elect people who can help us fight. And after noticing the impacts of gentrification and redlining in my hometown, I knew I needed to act.
I noticed that a historic area of town was quickly gentrifying, pushing out people and businesses who had been there and invested in the community for decades. I also noticed that there were some services offered on one side of town, but not the other. To help stand in solidarity with those that were displaced, I started organizing in my town, and my friends and I began inspiring others to step up and run for office as well.
What was the next step for you?
I moved to Iowa to join Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. Following the primary, and at the height of the pandemic, I then worked on President Joe Biden’s campaign as a digital organizer.
Even though President Biden won, the balance of the Senate rested in the run-off election in Georgia. I thought, “Why did I do all that work if we could lose the Senate?” So, I packed up and headed down to help.
After helping secure the Democratic majority in the Senate, I moved back home to support Philadelphia’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign. I helped manage over 50 organizers that knocked on over 60,000 doors and had thousands of conversations with residents about the vaccine. This work helped Philadelphia residents achieve herd immunity early, making Philadelphia one of the first major cities to reach that milestone.
How’d you end up at NGP VAN and what’s your role?
In 2022, I brought my organizing expertise and progressive spirit to NGP VAN where I connect Democratic and progressive candidates nationwide with the tools they need to win. My day-to-day work is centered around helping state and local candidates running for office. Many of the most notable elected officials today started their careers at the local level, so it’s always great to get a chance to help my clients learn more about fundraising, organizing, and using our tools to help them win their races.
What does it mean for you to work at a company that has been (and continues to be) integral to the success of so many historic victories across the country?
I’m continually inspired by the everyday people running for office who are tired of the status quo — because I want to help them change it. One of the most memorable moments for me was seeing the first all-female city council elected in the city of St. Paul, Minnesota in 2023. They were all my clients, so it made me really proud of the work we do here at NGP VAN, helping candidates win up and down the ballot.
Politics can challenge even the most hopeful people. How do you stay optimistic?
It’s a hard task that we’re trying to do here: to change the laws that have held back and oppressed so many people for so long. But, I’m optimistic because I see inspired candidates stepping up to run for office every day. I see the record number of women that are running for office, the record number of people of color running for office, and the candidates who don’t give up after that first loss. We’re all working to make America a place for everyone, because for so long, only some folks could achieve the American Dream. But now, I can see it here first-hand that there are great people working to make that a reality for everyone. And that’s what makes me excited about the future of our country.
