Jahana Hayes is working to tackle the pernicious public health crises of hunger and racism. Since joining Congress in 2019, notably as Connecticut’s first Black congresswoman, she has used the visibility she’s garnered as a younger, female and more progressive Democratic lawmaker to address inequalities within education, health, infrastructure, housing, and policies and dismantle systemic barriers for people of color. She first came to national attention when she was named Teacher of the Year and presented with her award by President Barack Obama in 2016.