Congresswoman Katie Hill and Assemblywoman Christy Smith spoke to a crowd of dozens of members of the Santa Clarita Muslim community Sunday evening.

The local leaders were hosted by Moazzem Chowdhury, a member of the Unity Center of Santa Clarita, to “make a meaningful connection” with the newly-elected lawmakers.

“This event is just a way for our community to get some time to speak with our local officials,” Chowdhury said. “It is important for them to hear our voice.”

Chowdhury emphasized the event was open to all residents of Santa Clarita — regardless of faith or political affiliation.

Hill and Smith both spoke out the first few months in office and their plans for the future representing Santa Clarita in Sacramento and Washington D.C.

“Real people, regular people deserve to have a voice,” Hill said. “There is someone from this community that truly cares about elevating the voices of all people.”

The Congresswoman recalled a story that inspired her to get into politics, a path she did not envision while growing up.

“I originally wanted to be a nurse like my mother and grandmother,” Hill said. ”Then one day, it all changed.”

Hill described a night at Northridge Hospital when a young boy came into the emergency room with multiple gunshot wounds.

“He took his last breath, and I can never forget the sound of the flatlining,” Hill said.

The representative then came across the sister of the victim, who said the two have been in-and-out of the foster system, which inspired Hill to get involved in nonprofits.

Smith briefed the crowd on the current status of the proposed state budget, which is expected to be revised in May after the final tax numbers are calculated.

“The state’s budget is very, very healthy,” Smith said. “Once again, California has a budget surplus, but there are still challenges ahead.”

The Assemblymember added those challenges include housing and homelessness, in which the state and county are working to combat the rising costs.

A slate of speakers from Santa Clarita mosques and other members of the community discussed the importance of engagement at the local level.

“Islam is a religion of peace, despite what you see in the media,” said Mon Couja, a member of the Al-Umma Center. “We were created to connect with others, that is the best way to dispell this myth.”

Couja said there are over a billion Muslims worldwide, adding “A small fraction does not represent the religion.”

Jarin Islam, co-founder of the nonprofit Giving Help, urged the women in attendance to get involved, and not just “sit down and be quiet.”

“In times like this, it is important to look across the aisle,” Islam said. “Not see us as divided as Democrats or Republicans or Americans or immigrants, we need to look at the issues affecting our area.”

The nonprofit leader called upon the audience members to tap into their passions, and take charge of their local community.

“When are you going to bring change?” Islam said. “These women were elected because of your votes, you have a voice.”

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