Just a year ago, Zohran Mamdani was a relatively obscure assemblyman from Queens, best known for his tireless work helping New York City’s taxi drivers secure debt relief. Today, he stands as one of America’s most recognizable progressive figures—a political force whose populist message and grassroots organizing have reverberated far beyond New York. His ascent, from a neighborhood activist to the city’s newly elected mayor, has been nothing short of astonishing. Yet, behind Mamdani’s improbable rise lies a team of dedicated strategists, organizers, and advisors—many of them women—who helped translate his ideals into a campaign that captured the imagination of millions.

When Mamdani announced an all-female transition team following his victory, he was not only signaling gratitude but also reaffirming a political philosophy rooted in representation and equity. His decision reflected both the ethos of his campaign and the people who powered it—an ensemble of progressives who married idealism with discipline, conviction with competence.

At the heart of Mamdani’s success is Elle Bisgaard-Church, his senior adviser and widely regarded as the campaign’s most influential figure. Only 34, Bisgaard-Church shares much with Mamdani: youth, ambition, and a commitment to democratic socialism. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, she is credited with crafting the strategy that carried Mamdani through one of the most stunning primary upsets in recent New York history—his victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. What initially looked like a long-shot challenge to an establishment heavyweight became a masterclass in message discipline and grassroots mobilization.

Bisgaard-Church’s influence extended beyond tactical brilliance. She helped define the campaign’s identity, ensuring that Mamdani’s message remained focused on issues that resonated most deeply with ordinary New Yorkers—affordability, housing, and public transit. Her insistence on centering the campaign around everyday struggles, from rent freezes to free buses, helped bridge the gap between Mamdani’s progressive ideals and voters’ lived realities.

When Mamdani clinched the Democratic nomination, Bisgaard-Church transitioned to the role of senior adviser, taking on the monumental task of laying the policy groundwork for the incoming administration. Those close to the campaign say her fingerprints are all over Mamdani’s platform for governance, from ambitious housing reform to climate-conscious urban planning. Insiders expect her to remain one of the mayor’s closest confidantes as he assumes office, shaping not just political messaging but the substance of his administration.

Taking over the campaign’s day-to-day operations was Maya Handa, another rising star in the city’s progressive political sphere. Handa’s role as campaign manager after Bisgaard-Church’s move into advisory work was pivotal. She brought organizational precision and an instinctive understanding of voter engagement to the effort, ensuring the campaign’s momentum never wavered. Under her management, the campaign built an infrastructure capable of mobilizing tens of thousands of volunteers and sustaining enthusiasm across New York’s five boroughs.

Behind Mamdani’s public image stood a small but formidable creative and communications team, led by Morris Katz, a 26-year-old political strategist who helped raise Mamdani’s profile from that of a local activist to a household name. Katz’s expertise in narrative-building proved indispensable. He crafted a communications strategy that highlighted Mamdani’s authenticity and progressive vision while deftly navigating attacks from political opponents and skeptical media. Katz ensured that Mamdani’s campaign voice was both consistent and human—bold enough to inspire, grounded enough to connect.

Complementing Katz’s strategic communications was Andrew Epstein, the campaign’s creative director. Epstein was the architect of Mamdani’s viral social media presence, a digital phenomenon that transformed how political storytelling operates in New York. Through a blend of cinematic visuals, humor, and heart, Epstein helped turn Mamdani into a relatable figure whose videos—of him walking through city neighborhoods, jumping into icy waters during charity events, or playfully referencing Bollywood films—spread like wildfire.

These moments didn’t just entertain; they humanized Mamdani, turning his campaign into a citywide conversation about leadership, courage, and community. Even those who disagreed with his politics acknowledged that the Mamdani campaign set a new benchmark for modern political communication—authentic, creative, and emotionally resonant.

Another key figure was Tascha van Auken, who orchestrated the campaign’s massive volunteer operation. Her role was to turn Mamdani’s message into a movement—and she delivered. Under her direction, thousands of volunteers fanned out across New York, engaging directly with residents, knocking on doors, organizing neighborhood events, and ensuring that the campaign’s promise of inclusion was felt in every corner of the city. By Election Day, the campaign had reached nearly all of New York’s eight million residents through direct or digital engagement—a feat that demonstrated both strategic brilliance and grassroots power.

Despite its insurgent origins, the campaign also knew the importance of engaging with the political establishment. That bridge was built by Patrick Gaspard, a seasoned Democratic power broker who once served as a senior adviser to President Barack Obama and later as the U.S. ambassador to South Africa. Gaspard’s presence lent credibility to Mamdani’s candidacy in circles that might otherwise have dismissed him as too radical or inexperienced. His guidance helped the campaign communicate Mamdani’s pragmatism and seriousness of purpose to New York’s traditional political actors, ensuring that his progressive platform was seen not as fringe idealism but as a legitimate blueprint for governance.

Mamdani’s rise was further bolstered by a constellation of high-profile endorsements that added momentum and legitimacy. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, long a mentor and ally, was among his earliest and most vocal backers, campaigning alongside him and offering guidance on navigating the pressures of national attention. Senator Bernie Sanders, whose presidential campaigns inspired many of Mamdani’s own volunteers, also endorsed him, framing his victory as part of a broader movement to realign the Democratic Party around working-class priorities. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander’s endorsement proved especially critical, helping Mamdani connect with Jewish voters at a time when some questioned whether his criticism of Israeli government policies might alienate that constituency.

Each endorsement carried symbolic weight, signaling that Mamdani’s vision for New York was not only radical but credible, rooted in coalitions that crossed ideological and demographic lines.

Now, as Mamdani prepares to govern, his focus has shifted from campaigning to building a team capable of translating vision into action. On Wednesday, he announced an all-female transition team, a decision both practical and symbolic, underscoring his belief that governance must reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion.

At the helm of this team is Elana Leopold, a seasoned political strategist appointed as executive director. Leopold’s task is formidable: steering the process of selecting cabinet members, setting administrative priorities, and ensuring a smooth transition from campaign to city hall. Working alongside her are four formidable women whose expertise spans public policy, administration, and advocacy.

Grace Bonilla, president of the United Way of New York City, brings a wealth of experience in community development and social services. Melanie Hartzog, former deputy mayor and budget director, offers deep knowledge of municipal finance and governance—crucial for implementing Mamdani’s ambitious agenda without fiscal instability. Lina Khan, the former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, adds national stature and expertise in regulation and consumer protection. And Maria Torres-Springer, who served as first deputy mayor and has long championed economic inclusion and urban innovation, rounds out a team that blends idealism with institutional experience.

Together, this group symbolizes the synthesis of grassroots energy and governance acumen that defines Mamdani’s movement. They represent a bridge between protest and policy, between aspiration and administration.

Zohran Mamdani’s journey from assemblyman to mayor has redefined what is possible in American city politics. His victory is not merely a personal triumph but a testament to the power of collective action, diverse leadership, and unwavering belief in public service. As his administration takes shape, the women who powered his campaign and now guide his transition stand as both the architects and stewards of a new political era in New York—one that seeks to prove that progressive ideals, when organized with discipline and empathy, can not only win elections but transform governance itself.