Elina’s family is originally from Armenia. However, over time, they experienced multiple religious and land upheavals, which forced everyone out of their homes. In addition, those people were part of the Armenian genocide. The group resettled in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she was born.

When Elina was four, the country was in turmoil. Her family’s apartment was broken into, and they were given a choice: LEAVE AND LIVE OR STAY AND DIE. Her family left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Many other families, along with hers, were loaded into an airplane, dropped off in Moscow, and told to scatter.

Elina’s father and mother were separated but reunited as her father began working on the family coming to the US. It took years to get approval. Finally, in November of 1993, they relocated to the US. Elina and her brother thought the apartment they lived in was a mansion due to the contrast to previously living in a one-room dwelling.

Eleven months later, Elina’s father died, which is all she remembers of him. Since he died when she was so young, she did not have a father figure for most of her childhood. Elina was scared but pressed on. She didn’t know any English and remembers needing a translator.

At the start of 6th grade, Elina landed at Lincoln Christian and graduated high school in 2002 as the Salutatorian of her class. She graduated from UNL with a BA in Psychology, and minors in English and Sociology, the University of Phoenix with an MS in psychology, and Northcentral University with a Ph.D. in Psychology.

She was the first in her family to earn a doctorate and is now an educator at a college here in Lincoln. Elina’s also a tutor, mentor, and advocate for education. Additionally, she has her own editing business and is a Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Elina Newman is a 2023 candidate for the City Council of Lincoln. Her steadfast faith and determination are just what the city needs to get back on track. She’ll work for what’s right…she’ll work for you!