Dr. Phyllis A. Noda.

DEARBORN — Throughout her career, Dr. Phyllis A. Noda, an Arab American Democratic candidate for the Oakland County Commission, has been a relentless advocate for diversity. 

Noda has embraced her Arab American identity while campaigning for the position in a county that historically has not had adequate representation of minorities in government. She is the daughter of refugees, loves her culture and defends it constantly. She said part of her campaign message is to let people know of her diversity.

Noda was born in Detroit, raised in Highland Park and has lived in Troy and Oakland County for more than 38 years. She has traveled across the country, state, Latin America and Europe to bring education and training for learners at every level including at-risk youth, immigrant and refugee populations and displaced workers. 

She was educated at Wayne State University, where she received her doctorate in education and sociology in education. She teaches and conducts special project research in cyber security at Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance.

She has volunteered her time to working with minority and women-owned business owners in e-trade; advocated for relief of persecuted minorities in troubled areas of the world; and helped make a difference in the lives of children with serious or life-threatening illnesses. During a recent visit to The Arab American News, Noda discussed some of the initiatives she plans on pursuing if elected. These include restoring fair distribution of funding for community mental health and training services; ensuring safe and durable roads; protecting the environment and enhancing support of the county’s water resources.

“We have had serious cutbacks in funding for Oakland County mental health services and services to the vulnerable populations that are mentally challenged and for elderly people,” she said. “And I would fight very hard to restore that funding.”

 She also wants to support the growth of small business development and attract global business with expanded international trade and technology transfers. Noda said she’s always been a Democrat because of the social conscience of the party. She was prompted to run by two county commissioners who noticed her interest and passion for serving others.

“I am concerned about the state of our democracy from the ground up,” she said. “That is, I wanted to give a more representative view, bring that to the table as a woman, as an Arab American and as a Democrat.”  

Noda, the daughter of a German Roman Catholic father and Lebanese and Muslim mother, noted that one of the biggest challenges Arab and Muslim Americans in the region face is discrimination. She is passionate about defending them against such discrimination. 

She recounted an incident where her grandmother picked her up at school and spoke to her in Arabic. One of her teachers said, “Stop speaking to her in that dirty language.” “That is what formed my awareness,” Noda said, adding that throughout her life she has experienced discrimination, rejection and ridicule because of her background. Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, tens of thousands of refugees have migrated to southeast Michigan.  

Noda said the county can make resolutions to pursue continued support to and increase in funding for the number of refugees that are coming into Oakland County, primarily the Iraqi refugees. “My message is get out there and vote. Let me represent you, because I bring with me a diverse perspective,” she said.