Priscilla Ghaznavi

Priscilla Ghaznavi earned associate and bachelor's degrees from the Fashion Institute of Technology.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a strategic creative leader, builder, innovator, artist and advocate. Born in Washington, D.C. to a Persian father and Bolivian mother, I grew up at the intersection of cultures and perspectives. Curiosity has been a constant throughout my life, the instinct to ask why, understand how things work and imagine how they might work differently.

That curiosity has taken me across disciplines, industries and countries, and from hourly and service jobs to executive leadership. I have built teams and departments from the ground up, developed products and new technologies, led creative and business strategy, and repeatedly returned to the classroom to keep learning.

For more than three decades, New York has been home. I have experienced this city as a renter, affordable-housing resident, homeowner, student, employee, executive, entrepreneur and community leader. Each chapter has shaped how I understand opportunity, responsibility and the place I call home.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have been an Independent my entire life. For me, independence is how I think. I question assumptions, examine the facts, listen to different perspectives and make up my own mind. For the people of NY CD - 7, that means my accountability begins and ends with you. I can work with people across differences, support a good idea regardless of where it comes from, challenge one when necessary, and approach each decision by asking what it means for the people I represent.Affordability is personal to me. I know what it is to work two or three jobs at once, from hourly and service jobs to building a career. I know what it is to rent, to qualify for affordable housing and, eventually, to become a homeowner. Affordable housing gave me the stability to put down roots, continue my education, build my career and invest in my community.

I understand how quickly the cost of housing, childcare, healthcare or an unexpected expense can change the choices available to a household. I want more people to have the opportunity not only to afford to stay in NY CD - 7, but to build a life and a future here.Our future is ours to shape together. My life has crossed cultures, countries and communities; my career, art and business, technology and design, creativity and commerce. It taught me that what may appear separate is often deeply connected.

I see our future the same way. AI can expand knowledge, creativity and opportunity, but innovation must come with responsible regulation, oversight and accountability, including privacy and security protections and responsibility for its energy, water and environmental impact. We can embrace innovation, confront climate change and strengthen our communities. That is how I will govern: curious about what is possible, clear eyed about the consequences and accountable for the choices we make.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am especially passionate about three areas. First, affordable housing and pathways to homeownership. I experienced firsthand how stable, affordable housing can create a foundation for education, opportunity and investment in a community.

Second, neurodiversity and stronger support for people with autism, IDD, TBI and mental health needs, including resources for families and caregivers and opportunities to learn, work and participate fully in their communities.

Third, responsible AI development and regulation, advancing innovation with meaningful oversight, accountability, privacy and security protections, while addressing its growing energy, water and environmental impact.