Name: Saira Blair
Job Title: Delegate for West Virginia Legislature
Meet Saira: Saira Blair is a lifelong resident of Berkeley County, West Virginia. She graduated high school in 2014 and is now a sophomore at West Virginia University with a duel major in Economics and Spanish Language. She serves in the House of Delegates on the Government Organizations, Small Business, and Industry & Labor committees. Outside of politics she enjoys attending sporting events, Netflix binging, and spending time with her friends. After serving she aspires to travel and continue learning while abroad before returning to the U.S. to begin a career as a financial advisor.
1.Who is Saira Blair in your own words?
I would definitely describe myself as goal-oriented. I live my life through to-do lists, it just really helps me to see what I’m trying to accomplish if it’s written down in front of me. I even put social events on my calendar!
2. Has your age been a pro or con in your career thus far?
I believe my age has definitely been a positive! My colleagues have come up to me several times asking my opinion on an issue based on how it would affect my generation.
3. What inspired you to get involved in government? What are the changes you wish to see and fight for?
West Virginia, my home state, is quickly losing population. Our newly graduated students move away because they can’t find jobs here, even though they hate leaving behind their families. I want to help bring new businesses into the state in order to boost our economy!
4. When you look at your journey so far, what is the biggest struggle? How did you overcome?
Before I ran for office I had a terrible fear of public speaking. I wouldn’t sleep the night before and when I finally did get in front of a crowd I’d hyperventilate and break out into hives. Eventually I realized that if I wanted to get my message across it was something I had to do, and every day it gets a little easier.
5. What are your greatest accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishments in the legislature were part of a team effort. Collectively we passed so many bills that are going to help solve our drug problem, bring jobs into the state, and make life better for the middle-class!
6. Outside of education and politics, what are your top 3 favourite things to do?
I really love ice skating, trying new foods, and traveling as often as possible.
7. What advice would you give to young girls wanting to have a voice in government?
Get involved now! I was active in my local political clubs long before I decided to run for office. It’s so important that you start now and get active in your community meetings, that’s where everyone starts!
8. What’s your favourite quote or mantra you live by?
I have so many but I think my favorite is from a woman who’s doing big things right now, Stacey Ferreira. “Behind someone’s list of accomplishments is a list of everything they gave up to be able to write those accomplishments on a piece of paper.” It reminds me that anything worth having is worth sacrificing for!
WEBSITE: www.SairaBlair.com
FACEBOOK: Facebook.com/ElectBlair
TWITTER: @ElectSairaBlair