PRESS

PRESS RELEASE

What We All Deserve Announces Leadership Transition, Names Tanaya Safi as Executive Director

August 3, 2026 — What We All Deserve (WWAD) announced today that Tanaya Safi, currently serving as California Policy Co-Director, will become the youth-led organization's next Executive Director later this month. The appointment marks a significant milestone in WWAD's long-term development and positions the organization for its next phase of growth.

Since joining WWAD last year, Safi has played a key role in advancing the organization's policy initiatives and organizational development. Her work on AB2422 and SB1160 exemplifies the leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to youth policy advocacy that made her the clear choice to lead the organization into its next chapter.

Over the next six months, WWAD's founding leadership will gradually step away from day-to-day operations, and move into advisory roles to remain engaged and ensure organizational stability and continuity.

“Tanaya’s determined work ethic brought the California Policy Team to the next level–I know she can guide WWAD through this transition with the same strategic vision that brought AB2422 to life.” - Sophie Himmel, WWAD Chief of Staff

Under Safi's leadership, the team will expand existing state policy programming and launch new initiatives, like a federal policy team. This transition reflects WWAD's commitment to long-term sustainability, thoughtful succession planning, and continued investment in developing the next generation of policy leaders.

Black background with white text on the left side and four menstrual products hanging from black shelves on the right side, against a blue background.
LA Times

  • Spotlight on WWAD’s AB 1810 (2024), relating to menstrual equity in prisons. Signed into law by Gov. Newsom in September 2024, AB 1810 mandated menstrual products to be readily accessible across all state female carceral facilities.

The image shows several tampons on the left and a hospital bed with rolled-up towels and a pillow with a blanket on top in a hospital room on the right.
Guardian

  • Spotlight on WWAD’s AB 1810 (2024), relating to menstrual equity in prisons. Signed into law by Gov. Newsom in September 2024, AB 1810 mandated menstrual products to be readily accessible across all state female carceral facilities.

Two women standing in front of a screen at the Young Women Run 2023 event. One woman is wearing a patterned jacket, and the other is wearing a yellow top with floral pants. Both women are smiling.
KQED

  • Co-Executive Directors Esther Lau and Fiona Lu are featured for their advocacy on CA’s AB 665 (2023). Signed into law by Gov. Newsom in October 2023, AB 665 aligned mental healthcare consent standards for Medi-Cal youth in CA, making mental healthcare more inclusive and accessible.

A young woman standing at a podium during a government hearing, with an audience and several people recording or taking photos behind her.
NPR

  • Co-Executive Directors Esther Lau and Fiona Lu are featured for their advocacy on CA’s AB 665 (2023). Signed into law by Gov. Newsom in October 2023, AB 665 aligned mental healthcare consent standards for Medi-Cal youth in CA, making mental healthcare more inclusive and accessible.

A young woman holding a protest sign that reads 'Say Abortion' in colorful, rainbow-style lettering during a rally.
Calmatters

  • In an op-ed, Co-Executive Directors Esther Lau and Fiona Lu write about the importance of youth-led policymaking and CA’s SB 260 (2023).

Last week, WWAD’s California Policy Directors @tanaya.safi and @alex.mcraeee testified to the Committee on Higher Education in support of AB2422, a bill pushing for protections that keep college students enrolled and supported when financial ai
Last week, WWAD’s California Policy Directors @tanaya.safi and @alex.mcraeee testified to the Committee on Higher Education in support of AB2422, a bill pushing for protections that keep college students enrolled and supported when financial aid is delayed for reasons outside their control. As of 2024, 1 in 4 students say that FAFSA delays affected their ability to stay enrolled in their current programs, jeopardizing their ability to stay in classes and maintain access to student resources. WWAD’s AB2422, introduced with State Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, aims to change that by requiring universities to extend enrollment deadlines and refrain from imposing punitive consequences on students. To learn more and watch their testimony, visit the link in our bio!
In partnership with Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-26], WWAD is proud to co-sponsor SB 1160: Eviction Data Reporting. Evictions affect hundreds of thousands of Californians every year, yet the data needed to address this crisis is fragmented and inac
In partnership with Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-26], WWAD is proud to co-sponsor SB 1160: Eviction Data Reporting. Evictions affect hundreds of thousands of Californians every year, yet the data needed to address this crisis is fragmented and inaccessible. You cannot fix what you cannot see — SB 1160 would required the Judicial Council to collect publicly available data on evictions and unlawful detainer cases, helping California develop stronger housing policy. Follow @whatwealldeserve for updates on SB 1160 and other efforts advancing housing justice in California. Sources: 1. Public Policy Institute of California (2025). “Evictions in California Have Leveled Off, with Upticks in Some Counties.” 2. SB 1160: Judicial Council: eviction data reporting.
AB 2422 is a bill written by youth, for youth. WWAD's California Policy Team is thrilled to announce that, in collaboration with Assembly Member Caloza (D-52), WWAD-written bill AB 2422 has been introduced in the California State Assembly for the 2
AB 2422 is a bill written by youth, for youth. WWAD's California Policy Team is thrilled to announce that, in collaboration with Assembly Member Caloza (D-52), WWAD-written bill AB 2422 has been introduced in the California State Assembly for the 2025-2026 session 🌟 When administrative issues cause financial aid delays, it is students who pay the price. AB 2422 would require higher education institutions in California to extend enrollment and financial aid deadlines for students with financial aid awards that are delayed due to factors outside of their control. No student should have to worry about education being put on hold. Follow @whatwealldeserve for updates on the bill’s status and learn how you can support youth-driven policy change. Sources: 1. Public Policy Institute of California (2025). “College Enrollment under California’s New Financial Aid Application Policy.” 2. AB-2422 Student financial aid: delayed financial aid awards: extensions.
In 2025, we pushed for policy change, showed up for our communities, and proved that young people are done waiting for permission to shape the systems that govern our futures. Sounds like music to our ears 🌟 🎧🌟
In 2025, we pushed for policy change, showed up for our communities, and proved that young people are done waiting for permission to shape the systems that govern our futures. Sounds like music to our ears 🌟 🎧🌟
WWAD’s internal retreat just wrapped up in Chicago, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on. Keep an eye out for some major changes 👀⭐️ #economicjustice #wwad #youth #empoweryouth #youthactivism #youthaction #policy #changemakers
Your reminder to let your hope be stubborn and let your joy be fuel. It is easy to get lost in the moment and lose sight of what we’re working toward, but we’ll keep organizing like our futures depend on it—because they do. Join our movement at the link in bio 🔗
Our team members have been busy making change, both within WWAD and beyond. Swipe to learn more!
Our team members have been busy making change, both within WWAD and beyond. Swipe to learn more!
And, our team wouldn’t be complete without our wonderful managers! We are beyond proud to announce our 2026 California, Texas, and Social Media staff ⭐️⭐️
And, our team wouldn’t be complete without our wonderful managers! We are beyond proud to announce our 2026 California, Texas, and Social Media staff ⭐️⭐️
Change can’t happen alone. These are the organizers, builders, and voices turning our big ideas into action—meet the WWAD 2026 Executive Board ✨✨
Change can’t happen alone. These are the organizers, builders, and voices turning our big ideas into action—meet the WWAD 2026 Executive Board ✨✨
On November 1, 42 million people (including 16 million children) are expected to lose Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or food stamps. Two federal judges ruled, in a statement on Friday, that the USDA’s plan to not
On November 1, 42 million people (including 16 million children) are expected to lose Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or food stamps. Two federal judges ruled, in a statement on Friday, that the USDA’s plan to not pay out food assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown was “unlawful,” but did not issue a restraining order forcing the Trump Administration to rely on contingency funds to support recipients, leaving the future of the program unclear. If this goes into effect, it would trigger an unprecedented national hunger crisis for the 1 in 8 Americans relying on this support. Young people see what’s happening, and we won’t stand by while our basic rights are stripped from us. Call your Congressional representatives to demand they stop stalling. Vote, if you can. Take action to support your community by donating or volunteering with a food bank. Swipe to learn more and develop a plan of action 🔗➡️
Last week, WWAD’s California Policy Directors @tanaya.safi and @alex.mcraeee testified to the Committee on Higher Education in support of AB2422, a bill pushing for protections that keep college students enrolled and supported when financial ai In partnership with Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-26], WWAD is proud to co-sponsor SB 1160: Eviction Data Reporting. Evictions affect hundreds of thousands of Californians every year, yet the data needed to address this crisis is fragmented and inac AB 2422 is a bill written by youth, for youth. WWAD's California Policy Team is thrilled to announce that, in collaboration with Assembly Member Caloza (D-52), WWAD-written bill AB 2422 has been introduced in the California State Assembly for the 2 In 2025, we pushed for policy change, showed up for our communities, and proved that young people are done waiting for permission to shape the systems that govern our futures. Sounds like music to our ears 🌟 🎧🌟
WWAD’s internal retreat just wrapped up in Chicago, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on. Keep an eye out for some major changes 👀⭐️ #economicjustice #wwad #youth #empoweryouth #youthactivism #youthaction #polic
Your reminder to let your hope be stubborn and let your joy be fuel. It is easy to get lost in the moment and lose sight of what we’re working toward, but we’ll keep organizing like our futures depend on it—because they do. Join o
Our team members have been busy making change, both within WWAD and beyond. Swipe to learn more! And, our team wouldn’t be complete without our wonderful managers! We are beyond proud to announce our 2026 California, Texas, and Social Media staff ⭐️⭐️ Change can’t happen alone. These are the organizers, builders, and voices turning our big ideas into action—meet the WWAD 2026 Executive Board ✨✨ On November 1, 42 million people (including 16 million children) are expected to lose Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or food stamps. Two federal judges ruled, in a statement on Friday, that the USDA’s plan to not