Mazahir Salih, executive director and co-founder for the Iowa City-based Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ), announced she is resigning from her full-time position and is leaving the nonprofit, according to a statement obtained by the CBJ.
Founded in 2012, the organization has advocated for workers in wage theft disputes and Forest View mobile home tenants fighting for checks to relocate from their homes. The CWJ has hosted free mobile health clinics and sponsor various classes, including English and tenants’ rights.
She cited the “extraordinary sacrifices” she and her family have made to continue in the position, noting that it had “taken a toll on me and my family,” but she stated she would continue in a part-time role until a full-time replacement director is hired.
“Together, our diverse network has changed policies and achieved so many victories,” she said in a statement. “I am especially grateful that we had this trusted community center in place during the pandemic … Our network sprang into action, kept our doors open, and worked around the clock to connect thousands of families with life-saving donations and local services.”
Ms. Salih will work with the board of directors to hire a new executive director. A job posting for the position is available on the CWJ website.
Believed to be the first Sudanese-American elected to public office in the United States, Ms. Salih served on the Iowa City Council from 2017-21, the Press-Citizen reported.
