Aimy Steele
Aimy Steele | |
|---|---|
| Born | Aimy Shantel La'Nae Steele 1978 or 1979 (age 46–47)[1] |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Charlotte (BA, MEd, PhD) |
| Known for | Founder of New North Carolina Project |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Michael Steele |
| Children | 5 |
Aimy Shantel La'Nae Steele (born 1978 or 1979) is an American businesswoman, nonprofit executive, and former educator who is the founder and CEO of the New North Carolina Project. A member of the Democratic Party, she was a candidate for the North Carolina General Assembly in 2018 and 2020.
Early life and education
Aimy Shantel La'Nae Steele[2] was raised in a military family and lived in Japan during part of her childhood.[3]
Steele graduated with her bachelor's degree in Spanish language from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.[2] She later earned her master's degree in school administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in curriculum and instruction from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.[4][5]
Career
Steele worked as a teacher for over 10 years and was the principal of Beverly Hills Elementary School from 2014 to 2018.[2][6]
Steele began her real estate career in 2005, starting as a broker for Prudential Real Estate.[4] She is a realtor and developer in North Carolina.[7] She is also the CEO of Reach Consulting, a test preparation company.[8][7]
In 2018[1] and 2020, Steele was the Democratic nominee for the 82nd district of the North Carolina House of Representatives, narrowly losing both elections.[9][10] She conducted most of her second campaign virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]
After her time as a candidate, Steele became active in local politics and founded the Black Political Caucus in Cabarrus County. She is credited with helping elect five Black representatives in the county's government.[11]
During the 2024 presidential election, Steele worked for the Harris campaign in North Carolina; focusing on Black and Hispanic voter outreach.[12]
New North Carolina Project
In 2021, Steele founded the New North Carolina Project; a nonprofit organization that works to register and turnout voters regardless of party.[13][14] The project was modeled after voter mobilization efforts like the New Georgia Project.[15]
Awards
Steele won the "Emerging Leader in the Social Justice/Community Advocacy" category of the 2024 EQUALibrium Awards by WFAE.[16]
Personal life
Steele is Baptist and fluent in Spanish.[2][4] She is married to Michael Steele, a pastor.[5][6] They have five children and live in Concord, North Carolina.[7]
References
- ^ a b Superville, Denisa (August 9, 2018). "Principals Are Running for Elected Office. Here's Why". Education Week. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Aimy Steele's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ a b "PACSW welcomes Congressional Candidate Aimy Steele of N.C." University of California. March 8, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Dr. Aimy Steele". Canopy Group. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ a b "Our Team". New North Carolina Project. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ a b "AIMY STEELE". ncelectionsfuture.com. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Guilford Dialogues 2023: Aimy Steele". Guilford College. March 2, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ "Aimy Steele, Ph.D." yourwinningmargins.com. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ "Aimy Steele". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ "Effort to register minority citizens in N. Carolina launches". Associated Press. October 8, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ Chemtob, Danielle (April 5, 2022). "People of color are driving Concord's growth". Axios. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ Barone, Tommy; Abdul-Hakim, Gabriella (July 26, 2024). "Harris' candidacy has led to surge in Black voter enthusiasm. It could make a difference in swing states". ABC News. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ Soloff, Katie Peralta (December 3, 2021). "How one new group is Stacey Abrams-ing North Carolina". Axios. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ Harrison, Steve; Funk, Tim; Morrill, Jim (April 12, 2022). "Aimy Steele on the New North Carolina Project and a look at North Carolina's unaffiliated voters". WFAE. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ Kinery, Emma (October 6, 2021). "North Carolina Group Looks to Deploy Stacey Abrams's Georgia Strategy". Bloomberg News. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ "WFAE announces winners of the 2024 EQUALibrium Awards". WFAE. May 30, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2025.