Representative Anna V. Eskamani was born and raised in Orlando to working-class immigrants from Iran who met in Florida while pursuing the American Dream. Anna carries her parents' struggle and sacrifices with her each day while fighting to build a government that works for the People, not elite special interests.
Anna never imagined she would run for public office, but that all changed in 2016 after the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub and President Trump’s victory. She knew change was necessary, and while trying to recruit other candidates to run for public office, community members and friends asked Anna why she wasn’t running.
That’s when it hit her -- if Anna could run and win, other fresh-faced potential candidates would be inspired to do the same, igniting a new generation of everyday people to run for office, and win.
Anna ran and won her first election in 2018, winning a seat previously held by a Republican, by building a massive grassroots, people-centered campaign that raised over $500,000 from 4,000+ individual donations and knocked on more than 40,000 doors with 500+ volunteers. After becoming a State Representative in 2019, Anna quickly rose to become a powerful statewide advocate on multiple issues, including public education, community safety, environmental protection, health care access, tax policy, affordable housing, and economic opportunity.
In Anna's 2020 and 2024 campaign, she won two precincts carried by President Trump and won her reelection by a landslide. Anna now serves as the Democratic Ranking Member of the Florida House’s Ways & Means Committee and recently completed a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida.
As a State Representative, Anna has served Floridians all across the state during the COVID-19 crisis. Anna and her small, dedicated team personally served over 50,000 Floridians across 64 counties to navigate Florida's broken unemployment system. Anna not only secures millions of dollars of benefits for unemployed Floridians, but she’s fought for housing assistance, tax breaks for everyday families and holds the largest corporations accountable too. Floridians have rallied behind Anna due to her unmatched work ethic, deep devotion to public service, and her ability to get things done for Floridians. That’s why she was proud to launch People Power For Florida and continues to serve her community while organizing statewide.
Rep. Eskamani’s proudest possession is her 2018 “I Voted” sticker, self-describes her sleep schedule as non-existent, and she never gets tired of learning, her cats, and Star Wars.
REP. ANNA V. ESKAMANI, PhD
Founder
(she/her)
JUAN ARDILA
Originally born in Caracas, Venezuela but raised in Broward County, Juan is a staunch advocate for voting rights and the empowerment of minority communities. After registering hundreds of students to vote as a student fellow for NextGen America as a UCF student, he worked as a field organizer for tbe Progressive Turnout Project in 2020 helping turnout Democrats in 6 crucial swing states. Now at People Power, Juan leads the field team of student fellows that register students to vote across the state year round!
Juan thinks the best bev is an Arnold Palmer, his most prized possession is his PS5, his celebrity crush is Dua Lipa… and he’s always talking about BLIMPS.
Organizing Director
(he/him)
ANDRES CUBILLOS
Deputy Organizing Director
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Andres is a youth activist and organizer based in Tallahassee, Florida. Andres has been active in the youth activist space since high school, working on issue based campaigns at the local, state, and national level. Andres has worked with organizations like: The Student PIRGs, Students Demand Action, The Transformative Justice Coalition, Campus Vote Project, Youth Action Fund, and more! Most recently Andres worked as the North Florida Voter Engagement Director for the Florida Democratic Party and North Florida Regional Organizing Director for the Harris for President Campaign.
AMELIA PACKHAM
Communications Coordinator
(she/her)
Amelia Packham is a proud Floridian currently wrapping up her final semester at the University of Florida (Go Gators!), where she is studying Political Science, Women’s Studies, and Public Relations. Passionate about civic engagement, Amelia is dedicated to using strategic communications to inspire political participation and empower young organizers across the Sunshine State. When she’s not working to make Florida more civically engaged, you can find her exploring local bookstores, playing NYT minigames, or spending time with her beloved cat Mocha. Amelia is thrilled to join People Power for Florida as the Communications Coordinator and continue championing grassroots efforts statewide.
ANEIBY DIAZ
(she/her)
Aneiby Diaz is a Florida native born and raised in Central Orlando! She recently graduated with her Bachelor from the University of Central Florida (UCF), where she studied political science and minored in diplomacy. Aneiby intends to continue her education and is set to enroll at UCF this fall to pursue a Master's in Public Administration. When she is not huddled in her bedroom completing readings or assignments, you can find Aneiby watching a new Korean Drama, blasting Twice on her speakers, watching cat reels, or improving her skating skills. As a previous Team Anna intern alumni, Aneiby hopes to continue making her community more politically engaged and less turned off by Florida’s political climate one step at a time.
She is a K-Pop stan and can be seen driving an iconic Kia Soul.
Central Florida Organizing Fellow
Larry is a long-time resident of Rep. Eskamani's District, which means his SUV and two-wheel dolly are also frequently in demand at rallies. Larry spent 35 years working in research, marketing, and communications for radio stations and TV networks. He moved to Orlando to help start XL106.7FM and spent over 20 years as VP Research at NBCUniversal's Golf Channel. PPFF is drawing upon his knowledge of and experience with phone bank management, consumer list targeting, and motivational messaging in his role as a Statewide Community Organizer focusing on phone outreach. Larry's eager to put his efforts into getting more Florida residents to vote more often after spending decades trying to get golfers to watch TV ten minutes longer.
His coffee order is a black coffee from Dunkin—and on days he feels a little wild, maybe a cold brew. He thinks the movie Airplane deserved an Oscar and he also doesn’t believe in ghosts—just Deja Vu.
(he/him)
LARRY KAHN
Phonebank Coordinator
SAMI MASON
(she/her)
Tallahassee Organizer
Sami is a lifelong Floridian who grew up in Cocoa Beach, and is now enrolled in her second year at Florida State! She is deeply passionate about supporting others through political activism, and is a double major in Political Science and International Affairs. On campus, she is a member of the Women in Pre-Law society, Surge, and the Marching Chiefs. She is thrilled to be on campus this year doing her part to put the power of the polls back into the hands of students and the community!
She dreams of owning an opossum, she has a deadly allergy to haters, and believes she is the reincarnation of Princess Di.
RAYMER MAGUIRE
Raymer Maguire is doing just about everything to save the state of Florida. Whether it was co-founding our organization in 2021, working on Florida ballot initiatives, or leading on different issues, Raymer has been there and done that.
His first side-hustle was operating a series of gumball machines, he loves his Doberman, and his favorite fast casual restaurant is Olive Garden because when you’re there, you’re family.
Co-Founder
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