Dear Friends,

I believe life is a journey — not a destination.

Over the years, I’ve thought about that phrase a lot as my own life has taken many unexpected twists and turns. And right now, the city we love so much is facing so many challenges, it seems time to assess where we are on Portland’s journey. 

I’m running for City Council in District 2, because I feel that my own journey has intersected with Portland’s, making my unique set of experiences and perspectives exactly what the city needs to evaluate and implement the best next steps on its own journey. 

As someone whose family came to Portland over 80 years ago as first-generation immigrants, I’m familiar with the challenges that lead people to seek a new home and the challenges and opportunities that often greet them when they arrive there.

My years living with a parent who struggled with addiction and mental health issues has given me the necessary compassion and understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to helping our friends, neighbors, and family members get their lives back on track. 

My time working in public safety has shown me that the best approach to keeping everyone safe is making sure that people have access to the treatment and prevention they need while also ensuring accountability and consequences for those who prey on our community. Our city needs a balanced approach.

As a Human Rights Commissioner from 2013-2015 and as a Park Ranger for the city, I saw firsthand the impact of homelessness, mental health issues and addiction is having on our citizens. I’ve built strong relationships with many of the service providers, law enforcement, and others working to build a better Portland together. 

Working with Oregon State Legislators on both sides of the aisle I was able to pass the Oregon Rooney Rule 29-0 in the Senate. A first-in-the-nation law that requires Diversity, Equity and Inclusion when interviewing for leadership positions. This experience gives me the know-how to be an effective and collaborative advocate for our neighborhoods and our people. 

Collaborating with community advocates, elected officials, and many others to end hate and racism through The No Hate Zone, I have been able to bring the community and police together to build trust and a better understanding along with creating open dialogue. We have lobbied for the elimination of race-based mascots, and brought attention to the impact gun violence has on our Black and Brown community, while successfully calling for a state of emergency and funding for diverse groups who can have the greatest impact on saving lives and ending the violence.

As someone who was born in Portland, and earned my Bachelor of Science in Black Studies from Portland State University, my life's journey has always been focused on improving our way of life here, in the City of Roses.

I’m confident that all of these experiences have given me the tools to serve you on the City Council. 

I love Portland and everyone who calls it home. I love what the city has given to me and my family and I want to continue to contribute to the City of Roses and build towards our future and a better Portland together.

I believe Portland is on the verge of great things and I’ll use my journey to make Portland a city we can all be proud of again. 

I ask that you join me to “Build a Better Portland Together”.