Born and raised in Virginia, Hala Ayala understands our Commonwealth, its history, its challenges, and its many opportunities. As the daughter of a Salvadorian and North African immigrant father and an Irish and Lebanese mother, Hala reflects the growing diversity of Virginia and the strength it brings to our future.

For over 20 years as a cybersecurity specialist with the Department of Homeland Security, she worked to protect our nation’s information systems and prevent attacks on our national security.

In 2017, Hala helped organize the first Women’s March in Washington. She has served in Virginia’s House of Delegates and most recently, ran for Lieutenant Governor in Virginia. She made history as the first woman of color to receive the Democratic Nomination for any statewide office in 2021. Visit https://www.halaforvirginia.com.

Check out Sister Jenna’s new book, Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices. Listen to the Om Shanti album by Sister Jenna on Spotify. Visit www.americameditating.org and if you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us.