Lopa lives in Durham her husband, Neelesh, their 9- and 12-year-old kids, and their two rescue dogs. She works 150 hours a week as a personal assistant, driver, chef, therapist, life coach, maid, tutor, mind reader, and more. “Being a stay-at-home parent is seriously the hardest job ever,” she says. In what little free time she has, she also volunteers with FLIP NC. We are so glad she does!
Check out this Q&A with Lopa, and then sign up to join her at an upcoming canvass!
How did you find out about FLIP NC?
I first heard about FLIP NC through the Instagram of one of the co-founders, Briana Brough. Our kids had attended the same preschool for a bit. I started following the FLIP NC account, quietly watching the amazing work the org was doing. A friend popped up on the account as a canvasser and that got me thinking that maybe this was something I could do too; 2024 seemed like a good time to start. So you could say I’ve been a long-time listener, first-time caller.
How many times have you volunteered with FLIP NC? And in what capacity?
The first canvassing event of 2024 was my first time volunteering and my first time canvassing. In the past, I had filled out postcards, made calls, and sent some emails, but nothing quite as direct and engaging.
What surprised you most about our voter outreach?
Honestly, I was surprised by how easy and fun it was after the first few houses. FLIP NC always canvasses in pairs, and newbies like me are partnered with someone a bit more seasoned. It helped that we were speaking with like-minded voters, but having engaging conversations and often being thanked for what we were doing was what really made it comfortable.
What is your top canvassing tip?
Not sure if I’m seasoned enough to have tips, but I’d say it’s important to be yourself and do what feels right. Take a deep breath, smile, and just speak your truth.
What is your top tip for someone who is new to voter outreach?
Don’t feel like you have to start small before going out canvassing. You don’t have to be an expert; you just have to care enough to want to do something. You’re guaranteed to meet folx as passionate as you and ready to help you start.
What is really motivating you to get involved? Obviously, you want to FLIP NC, but tell us a bit about the “why.”
Where do I begin? My “why” starts and ends with my kids. My sole purpose as a parent is to guide them towards becoming empathetic, helpful, and resourceful adults. Adults who are willing to speak out and help the marginalized and give back to their community. And if I truly believe that you have to lead by example, then I have to step up and do my part.
How are you feeling about the 2024 election? Optimistic?
I am nervous about the upcoming elections. I know that, more often than not, voter complacency is a left-leaning problem. From the top all the way down to our state and local elections, every seat matters. Having said that, volunteering with FLIP NC and meeting others who are as invested as I am in making sure the changes we want are heard reminds me that not all hope is lost.
Other than politics, what’s a passion of yours?
I guess the easiest way to say it is that I am passionate about learning new things. My relatively recent neuro-spicy diagnosis has changed my view of my lifelong jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none vibe as less of a flaw and more of a superpower. Currently, I’ve become fixated on learning more about neurodivergence and our brains; DIY house projects, like installing a new sink and faucet; staining furniture; [tending to] house plants and gardening; and finally reading actual physical books instead of just listening to them on audio.
Who do you admire in politics? Why?
Right off the top of my head would be Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Durham’s own Nida Allam. Pramila is a naturalized Indian-born citizen, just like me. But more importantly, she is a mom who is a staunch advocate for women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ rights. Nida was also naturalized, born in Canada from parents of Indian and Pakistani descent. She grew up here in the Triangle, volunteered in her community, and continued that when she went to university. She became actively involved in grassroots politics after a friend of hers was killed in a hate crime shooting in Chapel Hill. She played a major role in Bernie Sanders’ campaign, then locally as chair of the Mayor’s Council for Women, and then as Durham County Commissioner. Both politicians represent how important it is for women to get involved in politics and fight to get our voices heard.
What would you say to someone who is feeling totally dejected by our current state of politics? And how do you stay in the fight?
I’d say: “Same, dude, same.” But then also that I get it. At times it can feel like nothing will change or at least not in the direction we want it to go. But we have to play the long game. Making changes where and when we can. The future doesn’t have to be so bleak, but we have to be willing to keep working at it. To stay in the fight, I think you have to be okay with leaving it when you need a break. It’s so easy to spiral when we overthink and try to do too much, especially as women. It’s okay to take a moment for yourself and reset. Just remind yourself that once you have, you’re going to get right back into it.