Episode 8: The US electoral system

At a young age Elaine immigrated from Ghana to the United States. She immediately fell in love with the country as she experienced the beautiful scenery, observed the diverse people, and admired the numerous opportunities. Her family had a great start to life in the U.S. when they were blessed with subsidized housing in what was considered a “good” school district.
 
After receiving a college degree in political science and economics, Elaine went on to marry her best friend, Keenan Nietmann. They started a family soon after and relocated from Maryland to Georgia in her last year of law school in 2011. Elaine settled in Georgia as a wife, mother, and lawyer, and when her second born son was diagnosed with autism, she witnessed firsthand the shortcomings of the healthcare system and special education federal programs in addressing his needs. To make matters worse, the private sector referrals were often expensive, contained long waiting lists, and had short day schedules that were not conducive to the schedules of most full or part-time working parents.

Elaine's experience with advocating for her son with special needs, while working as a public defender, guardian ad litem, and family law attorney in GA's Congressional District 4; motivated her to run for the U.S. Congress in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District in June, 2020. 

Elaine credits her Christian faith to her ability to handle and successfully balance the duties of her law practice and family of six while still advocating for her son’s special needs. Living by the words of her parents, Elaine believes that the goal of hard work will never be lost when you give it everything you’ve got!

You can follow her on:
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Facebook https://m.facebook.com/attorneynietmann/