As a city councilmember, I respect the limits of my position and its influence. Working in concert with my fellow council members and mayor, issues related to gender equity I will encourage discussions on and support policies and ordinances that support gender equity.
However, my greatest contribution towards gender equity will be the "Innovation Corridor" project I plan to advance. Its focus will be to attract and develop early stage startup entrepreneurs and social innovators in the non-profit space. My priority would be to attract BIPOC and women innovators to Emeryville.
But there is something to decorum and navigating spaces, and my particular style of leadership is to ensure that women are heard and respect. That is why I have chosen to disregard support and endorsement from those who have harassed city council members like Courtney Welch, Dianne Martinez, and Vice Mayor Ally Medina and city hall staff.
Just today (9.16.2022), Energy Justice Law and Policy Center Executive Director Raya Salter was demeaned by Republican Rep. Clay Higgins during an environmental policy hearing. Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York condemned how he addressed her, and Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman, also of New York said on Twitter, saying, "Small men resort to demeaning tactics when they don't have the wherewithal to act decently."
Maybe it's a New Yorker thing, but if I see, recognize, or (over)hear disrespect of any woman, I stand up to it, immediately, and I do it without replacing her voice but by amplifying it, and in government, the lack of gender parity can lead to events like today happening more often that our democracy should represent.
My current work in philanthropy is focused on dismantling dehumanization frameworks. I was brought into the work because of my background in education and youth development but also because of my success and skill sets around technology.
Becoming an elected official will be an extension of a lifelong commitment to lifting barriers to human potential, particularly low opportunity communities. I will continue to do what i do best.
Based on conversations I've had with Emeryville women-identified residents, the biggest concerns are:
public safety
work opportunities
a city government that listens and communicates with its constituents
reproductive rights
equal pay
In addition to my campaign being almost entirely by women, as far back as my Public Allies' position with Women's Venture Fund at twenty years old, I've supported women, primarily Black and women of color.
two women and one male (me)
I have not made any votes but welcome the opportunity to revisit this question for my next elected position.
Thank you for the opportunity to take this questionnaire. I understand if I do not meet your endorsement requirements or if endorsing my campaign disrupts your mission, but my history and reputation demonstrates that the values and goals of your organization align with my work and democratic outlook.