From Organizer to Candidate: My Path into Politics
I have always understood the power of people working together. Community organizing didn’t just start my career in public service, it continues to be the largest influence in how I live. Whether it's volunteering at local events, coordinating neighbors’ concerns, or simply listening; I've consistently supported my community through hands-on, grassroots organizing. In response to concerns from other parents at my children's school, I established Pack 1003—the nation's only Cub Scout Pack specifically created for scouts with Autism.
In my career, I’ve worked with dozens of organizations and initiatives that work to make life better for all Minnesotans. Each role has deepened my commitment to community service. Here are just a few that have helped shape my path:
Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE): I joined the ECFE Advisory Council and later its Legislative Committee, advocating for funding at the state level so that Minnesota families could continue to benefit from critical programs. As a community member and mother of two young children, I felt it was essential to take part in the decision-making process regarding the funding of our early childhood education system.
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL): My lived experience informed my work as I proudly served on the board of this vital organization. In the mission of helping people with disabilities live independent lives, we partnered with St. Paul and local businesses to secure and develop a new building into a more inclusive community space while navigating zoning and permitting issues.
ISD 196 Special Education Advisory Council: As a parent and organizer, I helped connect families and the local school district. From hosting college prep workshops with University of Minnesota Student Services staff to organizing annual grade transition conferences, I fought to ensure every student had the support they needed to thrive.
ARC Great Rivers & the PUNKers Newsletter: I created a resource network for families of children with disabilities, distributing essential information about IEPs and 504 plans, Medicaid waivers, and caregiving through monthly meetings and a grassroots newsletter called PUNKers (Parents Urgently Need to Know). Our annual S.E.E.K. Conference became a cornerstone resource fair for families across the region.
I35W Solutions Alliance: As part of a regional partnership, I worked with community leaders and MnDOT to develop public transit solutions, including express lanes and Bus Rapid Transit routes that continue to benefit our growing population and reduce congestion.
City of Apple Valley Urban Affairs Committee: I was honored to be appointed to this advisory group where we researched community concerns, engaged residents, and helped shape ordinances that directly reflected resident concerns.
These experiences are a reflection of my values: inclusion, collaboration, and service. The strong relationships I built in my community, and the confidence that community action gave me, led me to take a pivotal step in my grassroots organizing and start my first campaign for public office.
Now I’m running again because I believe in community-led solutions. I believe in investing in our neighborhoods through solutions in affordable housing, public safety, and economic opportunity that actually reflect the needs of our community.
Our campaign is about community, and it is about Minneapolis. I hope to represent you on the Minneapolis City Council to be an advocate for our community.