Andrea Mercado
Miami, Florida | New Florida Majority
When the first Democratic presidential debate was held in June 2019, Andrea worked with partner organizations to throw a watch party (complete with a DJ, band and Cuban food) for over 500 women of color. Not only did the party make elections and voting cool, it also served as a celebration to recognize the leadership of women of color in politics. As the Executive Director of New Florida Majority, Andrea works to engage historically marginalized communities and expand their participation in politics to make their lives better. Their work to lead a statewide strategy in Florida is set to make a major impact in 2020 but their work is about more than candidates and voting. Their mission is to bring justice and equity to all and “create institutions where we all have a voice and an opportunity to advance the things we believe in.”
In 2018, New Florida Majority worked with other groups in the state to pass Amendment 4, which restored the voting rights of over 1.4 million people with felony convictions. They plan to register 100,000 voters by the 2020 election and engage in races from the presidential to state, county and city commission levels. At their recent People’s Assembly, their members voted to endorse Sen. Elizabeth Warren for president.
What is the song you will listen to on repeat in 2020?
“All I Do is Win by DJ Khaled.”
What are you reading right now?
“Two books have recently stuck with me, Cantoras by Carolina de Robertis and On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong.”
Who is your plus one?
“Ashley Shelton from The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice in Louisiana who does incredible work to organize and black and brown communities which has led to tremendous victories in Louisiana this year. Too often, the inspiring work black women are doing to lead across the South gets disappeared and goes unrecognized.”
Join the Movement
She the People is creating a politics we have not yet seen, one grounded in love, justice, and belonging. Join women of color across the country in making our voice and votes matter in 2020 and beyond. Are you ready?