Why am I running?

Portland is poised for great things and we find ourselves in a unique moment. Residents voted for change. Portland needs creative problem solvers, change makers, and elected individuals who face challenges, make tough decisions, and create a positive ripple effect throughout our communities.

While in graduate school in 2004 at Portland State University, I saw a need in our community and sprung into action. I noticed not much was happening in arts education at the time, and decided to found a nonprofit to address inequality in arts education. There was a DIRE lack of visual arts and music education for kids in the Portland metro area at that time. This was WAY before the Arts Education and Access Fund (aka the “Arts Tax”). My nonprofit, Vibe, became an official 501c3 nonprofit in 2007. In October 2023, we celebrated 15 full years of quality arts and music educational access for kids across Portland - wrapping up our best summer ever with 54 camps with over 3000 enrollments! 

I saw a need in our community and worked to solve this unique problem and support our community.

This moment feels similar - this city that I have lived in and loved calling home for 20 years has needs which call for creative solutions. My track record of being a problem solver, a change maker, and advocate make me suited for the role of councilwoman.

Whether those needs are safe streets for our kids to get to/from school. Our local businesses are in crisis- not from the on-going realities of pandemic recovery, but due to repeated theft, and broken windows making it extremely difficult for them to conduct business. It is also about people feeling welcomed to venture into our arts and culture districts throughout our city feeling safe to enjoy these rich experiences and year round events.

I see everyone connected in Portland’s ecosystem. If ALL the pieces are not working together, then the whole entity suffers. If they are supported, valued, and equitable then we have a working ecosystem and are successful in those relationships.

Community. Connection. Collaboration. 

Join us today!