Ana Maria Archila has led many protests in New York City, but a confrontation with Senator Jeff Flake in a Capitol Hill elevator has thrusted her into the national spotlight.  

"I cannot imagine that for the next 50 years they will have to have someone in the Supreme Court who has been accused of violating a young girl. What are you doing, sir?" she told Flake.

The Queens activist said she decided to confront the Arizona Republican after hearing of his intention to vote "yes" to confirm the judge.

"I thought of him as someone that was able to recognize the humanity across political lines," she said.

Archila is the Co-Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy.  She joined the national organization in 2014 after making her name as a grassroots organizer in Queens. She spent 13 years with the Jackson Heights group Make the Road New York and its predecessor, Latin American Integration Center.

The Colombian immigrant has long been an outspoken advocate for immigrants' rights, and racial and economic justice. She says she is now speaking out about sexual assault against women because she, too, was assaulted as a child, and that's why she tried to appeal to the senator.

"You have children in your family. Think about them. I have two children," she said to Flake.

Archila says she will use her new platform to help other women, and women's groups, to be heard as well.