Media Resources & Press Information

Bismah Ahmed is a dynamic government affairs professional, advocate, TEDx speaker, and community leader based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. As Vice President of Government Affairs for AOBA, she represents real estate and housing interests before the Virginia General Assembly, executive agencies, and local governments throughout Northern Virginia.

In 2026, Bismah was sworn in as Chair of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, adding another milestone to a career that spans the halls of state government—from the Policy Office of former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to the Attorney General's office—to the national stage.

In 2022, Bismah made history as the first Muslim, South Asian, and Pakistani woman crowned Miss DC for America, using her platform to advocate for refugee awareness through her initiative, The Color Collective. A Virginia Business "100 People to Know" honoree and 40 Under 40 recipient, she has been featured on USA Network and Peacock's "The Anonymous," FOX5 DC, ABC7, NBC12, Yahoo, and numerous other national and regional platforms.

A compelling speaker on leadership, policy, and breaking barriers, Bismah inspires audiences with her unique perspective on creating meaningful change at the intersection of government, business, and community.