October 16, 2025
Washington, D.C. — The National Organization for Women (NOW) proudly announces the appointment of longtime feminist leader, former Virginia Delegate, and unwavering advocate for equity, Hala Ayala, as its new National NOW PAC Director.
“Hala Ayala doesn’t just show up—she builds power, she breaks barriers, and she brings others with her,” said NOW president Kim Villanueva. “Her appointment as NOW PAC Director is a bold and necessary move for a movement that refuses to settle for less.”
Hala’s journey with NOW began in 2009, when she joined the Virginia chapter and quickly rose to become a driving force in the organization. She founded the Prince William County NOW chapter, served as its president, and raised nearly $70,000 to support reproductive rights, maternal healthcare, and grassroots organizing. Her leadership was never about titles—it was about impact.
As a former Vice President of Virginia NOW, Hala helped shape our national advocacy strategy and mentored a new generation of feminist leaders. Her work has always been rooted in the belief that women deserve more than a seat at the table—they deserve the power to shape the agenda.
In the Virginia House of Delegates, Hala made history as the first Afro-Latina elected to the General Assembly. She also served as Chief Co-Patron of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), helping make Virginia the 38th and final state needed to ratify the amendment. That wasn’t just a legislative win—it was a generational milestone, and Hala was at the heart of it.
“Hala brings the kind of leadership that is both strategic and soulful,” Villanueva added. “She knows how to raise money, mobilize people, and win elections—but more importantly, she knows why it matters. She leads with purpose, with heart, and with the kind of fire that movements are built on.”
NOW is proud to stand beside Hala Ayala as she steps into this new role. Her appointment is more than a title—it’s a signal to every woman watching that we are not backing down. We are rising, organizing, and electing leaders who will fight for us all.
###
About the National Organization for Women (NOW)
Founded in 1966, NOW’s purpose is to take action through intersectional grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life.