Sayu Bhojwani served as New York's first commissioner of immigrant affairs and is the founder and president of New American Leaders, which is based in New York. She is the author of "People Like Us: The New Wave of Candidates Knocking at Democracy's Door." The opinions expressed in this commentary are her own. View more opinion on CNN.

(CNN) On Thursday night, Rep. Rashida Tlaib was our honored guest at the People's Swearing In, co-hosted by the New American Leaders Action Fund. It was an open event to celebrate the many progressive women who made the midterm elections so memorable.

When Tlaib walked into the room, guests swarmed her, congratulating, hugging and taking pictures with her. She responded to every single one, both before and after she made her infamous comment about impeaching "the motherf***er," also known as President Donald Trump.

Sayu Bhojwani

Though those comments have received criticism from the right -- and even the left -- they were raw and honest and came straight from the heart. And, frankly, her honesty is one reason she was elected. She must continue to stay true to herself as she serves in the House of Representatives, even if that sometimes means going off-script.

And, to many, her controversial remark at our event was a refreshing break from the canned comments our elected officials usually make. Tlaib spoke to the people with the fire she is known for -- and the fire that so many at our event wanted to hear.

But we didn't just cheer when she criticized the President, we cheered for nearly every remark she made. When she said she didn't accept corporate PAC dollars, we cheered. When she explained how she ran and won in a district that is predominantly African-American and white by being who she is, we cheered. And when she said she loves her sons and wants to fight for them, we cheered.

Read More