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North Star Policy Initiative Hosts U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen for Discussion on National Priorities
Dear colleagues,
On Friday, December 5, 2025, Emgage’s North Star Policy Initiative (NSPI) hosted a policy conversation with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. In a wide-ranging fireside chat with Emgage CEO Wa’el Alzayat , Senator Van Hollen shared his vision for thoughtful and principled policymaking on the pressing economic and national security issues facing our communities and country.
During the conversation with an audience of policy professionals and civic leaders in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia community as well as former senior U.S. and state officials, Senator Van Hollen shared his thoughts.
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From addressing human rights in the Middle East to supporting U.S. civil servants, Senator Van Hollen reflected on efforts in Congress to advocate for a values-based foreign policy that, in elevating aid, development, and diplomacy, demonstrates not only the example of America’s power but the power of America’s example. Participants at the NSPI reception also engaged Senator Van Hollen about Congress’s role in protecting civil rights and public health, making education more accessible, and addressing affordability for working Americans.
We were also honored to hear from Paul Monteiro , who until November 2025 served as Governor Wes Moore’s Secretary of Service and Civic Engagement for the State of Maryland. Secretary Monteiro shared his reflections on leadership at the state and federal level, drawing on his experience delivering on programs that uplift people out of poverty and make government responsive to the needs of all communities.
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“Policy conversations in Washington cater to those who understand the difference between a law and a resolution. We need to be speaking to Americans whose concern is the lack of resolve from their leaders to address everyday needs and threats to the rule of law,” shared NSPI co-founder and senior advisor Adham Sahloul in his opening remarks.
On Emgage’s critical work at this time, Emgage chief executive officer Wa’el Alzayat reflected: “the North Star Policy Initiative focuses on building bridges between grassroots communities and their state and elected officials and building the bench of future policy leaders. We are looking to the future.”
Following NSPI’s launch in July 2025, NSPI has convened policy conversations in Philadelphia, PA and the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, and has upcoming forums planned in Michigan, the Bay Area, and Minnesota. These timely conversations seek to convene communities and policymakers on issues of concern for all Americans.
All the best,
Adham Sahloul
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Emgage
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