Meet a Nasty Woman: 5 Questions with Mona Das
Meet Mona Das. Mona's parents immigrated to America from India when she was 8 months old with $6 in their pocket, and an unfailing desire to build a better life for their family. Mona’s parents imbued her with courage, determination, and a strong work ethic. She settled in the Pacific Northwest, and 13 years ago launched MOXY Money, an award-winning mortgage business focused on educating and empowering first-time homebuyers. Her commitment to equality—for immigrants, women, and anyone in our society who needs a stronger voice—motivated her to run for Congress in Washington State’s 8th District.
What makes you a Nasty Woman?
I’m an immigrant. I'm a woman of color. I'm teeny-tiny at 5 foot 1. I'm a business owner. I had to claw and scratch my way to get where I am, and that’s meant never taking no for an answer. I just ask a different question. And now, I'm running for Congress.
Share an experience that shaped your views or helped get you involved in activism.
I'd been thinking about running for a long time. I’ve always been in the service industry or customer service. I’ve always served, that’s just who I am. It literally - is, if not me then who? If it really bothers me, I need to do something about it. I woke up on November 9th and knew it was time to roll up my sleeves and get to work by working to change Congress.
We know but don’t often say it – we women are often the glue holding our worlds together – having children, managing households, or battling expectations that we “should”. It’s time we see more than just 1 of 5 representatives in Congress representing us. I look at the House and Senate and don’t see people that look like me. The first two Indian women in Congress got there in 2017!
What advice do you have for people who want to help enact change and push progress but don’t know how to get involved?
I know a lot of us woke up on November 9th at a loss and didn’t know what to do. Not everyone can run for office, but I can. Support women who are running for office. Donate, volunteer on campaigns, find out how you can help. If you don’t have money to support candidates and issue your value, consider giving your time – because there are some things money can’t buy.
Another way to support me is to support my business. I employ 3 other women. If you ever wondered why Congress is full of millionaires, it’s simple: No one pays you to run. Campaigning is very time-consuming and there’s no paycheck for it – only a promise to serve.
If you could look into the future, 10 years from now, and see that real progress has been made, what does that look like to you?
It looks like a U.S. Congress and Senate that look like the people they represent. It looks like little girls dreaming that they can do whatever they want, and immigrants to this country knowing they are part of our American story.
Share with us a wine favorite. It could be your favorite wine, a favorite moment or memory with wine, or a favorite pairing.
Just like my personality, my favorite wines are bubbly! I love bubbles.
Mona is the Nasty Woman featured on our Represent Red Washington Malbec.
To support Mona's congressional campaign and learn more about her, click here. To work with Mona and support her women-run mortgage business, click here.