Iam running for Hennepin County Commissioner to reduce disparities, increase opportunities, and to make sure everyone in our community has a chance to thrive.

Growing up in the poorest suburb in America, I never imagined myself as someone who could achieve much of anything. The extreme poverty I faced everyday blinded my ability to dream and to imagine what life could be like if greater was possible. 

I now know that with supportive systems in place people can move from poverty to stability because I did it. I believe people can transition from renter to homeowner because I did it. I know people can transition from being unemployed and unskilled to becoming employed and having a career that supports and uplifts their families because I did it. 

When I began my career at Hennepin County as the committee clerk for the Board, I learned how decisions were made and how dollars were spent. Seven voices, seven votes, seven human beings making decisions for people who weren’t in the room. 

In my role as project coordinator for the Minnesota Ballpark Authority I coordinated community engagement sessions where I learned how important it was to bring community members into everything we do, to listen authentically and to understand the voices of the people affected by the county’s decisions and the opportunities their voices provided to improve the County’s work. 

As the Disparity Reduction Coordinator, I’m responsible for taking a critical look at the County’s lines of business and the work happening in areas of education, employment, income, health, housing, justice, and transportation. 

I’m responsible for finding opportunities to fix problems that affect people’s everyday lives by working with staff to develop meaningful work plans built on actionable outcomes.

As an advocate for disenfranchised communities, I have committed the last twenty years of my life in the trenches working to change narratives.

My extensive knowledge of Hennepin County and its complex systems has prepared me to serve as a county commissioner who knows how to get things done. 

I am running to continue doing what I’ve always done, to be a strong voice and advocate for the people who live and work in Hennepin County.  Whether it be affordable housing, property taxes, workforce development, transportation and accessibility or immigration I am prepared and qualified to be your voice and advocate on day one.