Bad Ass Women Doing Kick Ass Shit showcases 8 courageous BIPOC women who ran for US political office and challenged the status quo. They share their unique but similar stories in this award-winning, feature-length documentary film.
Through her successful campaign for Washington State Senate, Mona Das experienced first-hand what it’s like to be a marginalized voice shouting to be heard in the echo-chamber of the traditional political elite. Along her journey, she met a handful of other courageous BIPOC women also challenging the status quo.
Bad Ass Women Doing Kick Ass Shit began as a coming together of these women to share their unique but similar narratives. Today it is an evolving organization committed to amplifying the stories of other women who are bringing their unique voices and taking bold actions to make a difference in their communities.
University Program
Universities now have the opportunity to bring the award-winning documentary Bad Ass Women Doing Kick Ass Shit to their campuses, along with impactful educational programming led by the film's executive producer Mona Das. This film offers students an inspiring look into the journeys of courageous BIPOC women leaders while challenging preconceived notions of what a candidate looks like.
Mona's firsthand political campaign experience uniquely positions her to facilitate dynamic conversations around amplifying marginalized voices in the political system. Students across departments and majors — from film studies to women's studies, diversity and equity studies to political science — will find immense value in this one-of-a-kind opportunity.
Two Levels of Engagement
Virtual Film Screening and Discussion Program
Turnkey remote package led by by executive producer, Mona Das.
- Mona kicks off event with a pre-recorded video welcome introduction
- University screens full-length film for students
- Mona returns via Zoom to prepare students for an interactive Q&A
session - 45-minute live video discussion, facilitated by Mona, diving deep into
the film's key themes around amplifying diverse voices in politics - Convenient and impactful option bringing Mona’s firsthand expertise to
campus remotely
Immersive Film Screening and Curriculum Program
2-day immersive event led in person by the creator, Mona Das.
- Day 1: Mona personally introduces the film and facilitates a post-
screening discussion, guiding students to unpack biases and barriers
facing BIPOC women candidates - Day 2: Choose between Mona leading an impactful workshop
expanding on the film’s core topics or co-developing curriculum for
your educators rooted in her direct personal and political campaign
expertise - Create space for meaningful dialogue and sustained learning on
intersectionality in leadership and systems chang - Rare chance for face-to-face engagement with Mona, deepening
understanding of marginalization in politics
Student Testimonials
Engaging & Useful
Mona was fantastic! She was great at facilitating group discussion and bringing students out of their shells. Her education about public policy and our government was both engaging and useful.
Tamira, Bard University
It Opened My Eyes
The film opened my eyes in a life-changing way to barriers facing women of color running for public office. It pulled back the curtain on inequities within our own political system in a very moving way.
Brandon, Arizona State University
Critical Thinking
Mona was incredibly fun and engaging. She provided insight into the political world and challenged us to think critically, while also creating an open and welcoming environment free of judgment.
Keith, Bard University
Deeply Impactful
Wow. I knew BIPOC women had it harder – but I didn't really know. The film was deeply impactful, and the post-film discussion led to meaningful dialogue on how we can all challenge the status quo.
Sarah, The Campaign School at Yale
Themes for Discussion
- Owning Your Inner Leader: Envisioning yourself in positions of leadership
- Navigating Broken Systems: Recognizing and reforming structural barriers
- Following Your Inspiration: Identifying diverse role models and mentors
- Active Engagement: Understanding why civic participation matters
- Lifting the Veil: Facing compounding identity-based challenges
- Creative Resourcing: Maximizing assets and connections
- Understanding Governance: Lobbyists, legislators and public influence
- Confidence Through Perseverance: Overcoming imposter syndrome
- Amplifying Your Voice: Advocacy, activism and grassroots campaigns
- Raising Funds with Purpose: Financing your vision for change
- The Art of Deal-Making: Negotiating and compromising wisely
- Critical Thinking About Media Messages: Assessing dominant narratives
- Storytelling for Impact: Crafting and sharing lived experiences
- Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Learning from diverse perspectives
- Technology for Social Good: Using media tools ethically
- The Craft of Documentary Filmmaking: Conveying authentic stories through media
We wholeheartedly believe that Bad Ass Women Doing Kick Ass Shit represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for your students to gain exposure to diverse political journeys often left out of mainstream discourse. Mona Das created this film out of her own desire as an immigrant woman of color running for State Senate to amplify marginalized voices facing structural barriers when daring to lead.
By spotlighting fellow BIPOC women candidates and facilitating raw discussion, Mona aims to catalyze the next generation through her living testimony. Your students have so much to gain from this film - whether they study media arts, political science, women's studies, diversity & equity, activism, or leadership.
We know today's college audiences crave real-world education told through compelling stories different from their own. Let's connect about bringing Mona's work to uplift intersectional experiences and shape open-minded, compassionate citizens of tomorrow. She would be thrilled to explore this offering with you!
Mona Das’ came to the US at the age of 8 months, growing up in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Kentucky. Her passion for equity stems from her experience as an immigrant woman of color. Informed by these perspectives, she has dedicated herself to empowering marginalized communities.
Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Cincinnati, and an MBA in sustainable business from Pinchot University, Mona has built her centered her career around sustainable development, equal access to housing, and empowering marginalized voices.
She has excelled in technology sales, founded and run a successful mortgage business focused on helping low-income and first-time homebuyers, and has served on the boards of women’s empowerment nonprofits, lending her strategic expertise in service of their missions. Her deep experience across sectors continues to grow and serve her clients.
No one expected Mona to win her campaign for Washington State Sentator in 2018. She was a political unknown with zero experience, but she went door-to-door, building real connections with her constituents, and put her fundraising skills to the ultimate test. And she won – flipping a seat in the process!
As State Senator Das, Mona established herself as an environmental champion. She spearheaded first-of-their-kind legislation around sustainability, earning recognition from prominent advocacy groups. Additionally, she designed affordable housing policies and sponsored bills addressing systemic injustices. Her talent for constructive stakeholder engagement led to groundbreaking reforms.
In 2023, however, Mona left public office, realizing that she could create wider impact from outside of our damaged system of government. In immediate response, she created and executive produced an award-winning documentary on the realities of women of color running for office, which has since won 13 awards, thus cementing her media influence.
At the close of 2023, Mona accepted the position of Head of International Expansion for Global Woman & Co., allowing her to help increase engagement of women entrepreneurs, improve access to capital, and connect leaders who are building climate resiliency in their communities and around the world.
Currently, she consults with high-profile nonprofits on strategic visioning, development and fundraising, team-building, project management, and community outreach – and screens her film, Bad Ass Women Doing Kick Ass Shit, at universities across the country.
Ultimately, Mona aims to increase her change-making reach, especially around environmental sustainability and racial equity. Her passions outside work are travel, family and community – fitting for a barrier-breaking leader guided by care and conviction.
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