Ayanna Pressley, like Hayes, surprised the world with her upset win on September 4th against the ten-term Democratic incumbent. Pressley was sworn in as the first African American woman to represent Massachusetts on Capitol Hill. She has already made history by being the first Black Woman elected to Boston City Council. Pressley ran in a majority non white district, believing that a person of color should represent them telling Boston.com, “I fundamentally believe that the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power, driving and informing our policymaking.” Like Jahana Hayes, Ayanna Pressley struggled with poverty in her youth and her father was a recovering addict. She is a sexual violence survivor and will make domestic, sexual, and gun violence issues a priority when she gets to the Hill. Congresswoman Pressley sits on the Financial Services Committee.

Jahana Hayes, who rose from homelessness and teenage mom to college graduate with a masters degree, became America’s National Teacher of the Year in 2016 (selected from 3 million), awarded the honor by President Barack Obama. Her challenging path to victory and her successes leading up to her candidacy, drew wide attention from media powerhouses, including a stint on the Ellen show. As the Democratic candidate for Congress, who won handedly in a state where she was given little chance to win, Hayes has proven time and time again that she is a winner. She has touched diverse people throughout her life and campaign and our documentary captures the deep connection she has formed with those she encounters—young, old, black, white, rich and poor—as she strives to change the political landscape. Hayes says her lack of political experience is her greatest asset. “I am not so far removed from my community that I will forget about them in Washington.” Hayes was sworn in as the first Democratic Black Woman from Connecticut. Congresswoman Hayes sits on the Education Committee.

Lauren Underwood, a Democrat from Naperville, Illinois, became the youngest Black Woman in history to be sworn into Congress. Underwood, 32, began her political career in the Obama administration in 2014, becoming a senior adviser at the Department of Health and Human Services where she worked to implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA). About running for office Underwood said, “The beautiful thing about America is that my story is possible.” She won her seat in a predominantly white district, stating to The New York Times in July, “I learned to be a Black Woman in this community. This is my home, and the idea that I might not be a good fit is an idea I never gave a lot of consideration to.” Congresswoman Underwood sits on the Homeland Security Committee.

Tamara Harris, who ran in New Jersey’s 11th district, said she “became severely concerned for our democracy. What I realized was that if I didn't step up...the foundations that underpin the advocacy that I care about so much would be under attack and greatly at risk." Harris brought a tremendous wealth of attributes to her candidacy as a children’s and family advocate and former businesswoman with international finance experience.

Rev. Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding saw her run for office as yet another call to service. The electrifying International Women’s March drew huge numbers of people and convinced her CO5 deserved a new, fresh representative who would be responsive to the unique needs and concerns of the people. As an educator, a person of faith, and an active member of the community, Spaulding brought inclusion, innovation, and a voice to her constituents in Colorado's Fifth District’s Congressional race.

Pam Keith is a powerhouse veteran who ran in the battleground state of Florida. Keith’s fiery personality and army of volunteers made it a hard fought race. Pam’s story is compelling, as she was a fighter who gave it her all. About running for Congress she said, “Campaigning is hard work, but having so many amazing, truly local citizens, who volunteer their time and show up in the heat, because they truly believe in you…it’s the most humbling and exhilarating experience out there. I am truly blessed.”

Tanzie Youngblood, a retired schoolteacher and widow, was motivated, like many women running today, by the present day political climate and Hillary Clinton’s defeat. Youngblood said, "With what’s going on now, I have to get involved. People say things need to be done. I'm actually doing something.” After she got off the sidelines and announced her congressional bid for New Jersey’s 2nd District, she gained some serious recognition both from her constituents and the media, being featured as one of the “Avengers” on the Time Magazine’s January 2018 cover story. And in a recent Newsweek article, Youngblood explained one of her biggest challenges was getting her own party’s support, “I’ve been very loyal to this party, but I don’t feel the loyalty back. They don’t see the value in a candidate like me,”