How is Ai-jen Poo inspiring people?

                                      Combining the power of love and grit

Ai-jen Poo is like a modern day Harriet Tubman or Princess Leia fighting for justice in the world.  But instead of fighting to end the evil rule of the "Emperor", she fights to give a voice to marginalized domestic workers (maids, nannies, caregivers, etc, you know, those who are hired by rich people to do the work that most normal people have to do themselves.)

may the Force be with you

 
                                        Why Ai-jen is an inspiration? 

Her activist efforts helped bring about the first ever labor law for domestic workers in New York State. We're talking about minimum wage, overtime pay, vacation days, and legal protection from discrimination and harassment, i.e., many of the basic rights that we, who live in America take for granted.

Although she has heaps of accolades, that's not what makes her impressive, instead it's her strong sense of moral right, love for humanity, and steely determination.  She had the dream to bring equal rights to domestic workers and the iron will to make it happen.  So she started her own nonprofit (Domestic Workers United)  in 2000, then helped build a bigger one in 2007 that spanned a network across the nation, The National Domestic Alliance.

She may be one of the shakers and movers in the world of labor protection, but imagine the adversity she had to face to get to where she is.   She started as another nameless wide-eyed dreamer with big hopes but no resources or connections; she must had met resistance from all sides, from public officials, ordinary citizens, even the very people she was trying to help.  We have to remember that many domestic workers are illegal aliens, most probably feared coming forth to lend their voices, I mean, isn't it better to have a job, even though it sucks, then to risk it all?

Her efforts spanned at least an entire decade; from when she founded her own nonprofit to when the Domestic Workers's Bill of Rights was passed. It must had been an uphill battle with only small victories along the way.  Imagine going through years where it seems you're the only one against the world, with few others caring, and even fewer helping. Most of us would have despaired and drowned our sorrows in a tub of ice-cream (well, I would), but somehow through her conviction and steely grit, Ai-jen stayed true to her beliefs.

And for that, Ai-jen is an inspiration and worth emulating.