Neighborhood/area of residence
Downtown Wilmington
Education
Bachelors Degree Mass Communications/Public Relations Delaware State University. Masters in Public Administration- Wilmington University, Masters in Human Resource Management- Wilmington University
Work Experience
Latisha's professional background spans government, non-profit agencies, and international corporations, all united by her singular focus: ensuring that individuals have the resources they need to thrive. With over 15 years of experience in government working for the United States Senate, Latisha has spearheaded initiatives supporting education, workforce development, and faith-based programs. Her tenure at IKEA North America Services as Senior Public Affairs Manager, further showcased her ability to bridge business and community interests, leveraging corporate resources for community reinvestment. Tish currently owns a small Public Relations & Project management firm and also works with a local Wilmington nonprofit leading all of their equitable entrepreneurship training and support.
Community Involvement
Beyond her professional achievements, Latisha remains deeply engaged in community service, having served on multiple boards and advisory councils, including the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Her dedication to global outreach is evidenced by her leadership role in conducting workshops on Women in Politics at the University of Botswana through the Mandela Washington Fellows Reciprocal Program. Latisha is also a 2014 graduate of Leadership Delaware, Delaware's premier leadership development program described as “an MBA in Delaware!”
Strong economy: Wilmington must invest in building quality jobs and ensure our residents are prepared for those jobs when they come.
Safe communities: Our residents deserve to feel safe. We need a violence reduction plan and we can only get there by working with communities and partners.
Affordable housing: We have to build more affordable housing units and we have to build them quicker by removing unnecessary regulations and streamlining approval.
Effective Government: City Council plays a vital role in improving the life of Wilmington residents. Government should work for the people it serves and should be committed to constant community engagement.
I am qualified because I have been doing the job. In December 2022, I was appointed to complete the term of the late Councilwoman Loretta Walsh.
Prior to my time on council, I spent over two decades in politics and government leading projects focused on economic development, bringing federal investment to Delaware, and helping families find jobs and opportunities for educational advancement.
Since my time on Council, I have led initiatives to provide additional funding for affordable housing, reformed Wilmington’s booting and towing practices, and supported efforts to help our residents start successful small businesses.
Government works for the residents that it represents. Wilmington is expecting a declining budget while our residents are facing challenges. Economic development can be done responsibly and I am uniquely positioned to ensure this happens. Our new and existing business must invest in the City. Government must work with businesses to have strategic investment in every part of Wilmington. Additionally, residents must help inform the types of investments that are needed.
There is no shortage of jobs available in Wilmington. Wilmington is facing a gap between the jobs that are available and the skills of our residents. We must partner with workforce development programs to provide our residents the skills necessary to be prepared for the available jobs. This is not enough because we must also ensure we are teaching residents transferable skills and matching our workforce development training with jobs of the future.
To help grow new jobs we must invest in creating more small businesses. There is commercial space available that we must revamp and allow our local entrepreneurs the ability to access. We must invest in our small businesses as much as we do in attracting large companies to Wilmington.
There are two branches of government in Wilmington and they act as a check and balance on each other. The city council and the mayor are both tasked with representing Wilmington residents. The relationship between the two branches will work when both are connected with the residents and know where they stand on the issues. Residents can only truly be involved when the government is transparent and provides all information available. Once the government engages residents it will create alignment and truly a shared purpose. However, no two sides will alway agree and simple disagreements should not be seen as a strained relationship, but rather the essence of debate and democracy.
Campaign Phone
302-559-9489
Neighborhood/area of residence
Harlan Park/Ninth Ward
Education
Springfield College, Human Services
Work Experience
Independent Insurance Agent Broker, and Client Manager for Holistic Home Healthcare, LLC
Community Involvement
Serving on the following boards: Minstry of Caring/Sacred Heart II, Los Jardines, Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank, Community Communications Corporation
1. Neighborhood Stabilization: This is key for crime reduction and increasing housing stock. This includes accessible infrastructure.
2. Housing Availability and Affordability: Increasing inventory and ensuring safe, and affordable homes in all neighborhoods.
3. Crime Reduction: Although Wilmington has seen a significant drop in shootings and homicides, until we eliminate all instances, we need to be all hands on deck!
4. Youth Development Centers/Activities: Now more than ever our youth need resources to assist them with learning, as well extra curricular activities. In addition, skill & career development for those who may not be equipped for higher education. Our children need to have alternatives and places to go vs the streets.
First be humble & kind. Prior to being elected as Councilwoman in 2012, I've actively served the community for over three decades as a volunteer on over 35 boards/organizations. I understand the importance of compromising & working together for the greater good. My public service began in the office of Cultural Affairs under Mayor Sills. In previous council leadership roles, and now as CC Pres Pro-Tem & Chair of Community Dev. I have successfully collaborated with both my colleagues & administration to passed legislation that is helping stabilize neighborhoods, increase affordable housing, and reduce crime. Including a fair way to reduce parking fines. Leadership is not self proclaimed. You become a leader when others chose to follow you.
Our residents should always be the priority! The commercial growth in Wilmington should offer opportunities for everyone to grow. Commercial growth offers employment and career growth opportunities, as well as an investment in Wilmington's future. Increasing our tax base allows for the city to continue to invest in our housing and neighborhoods, including our parks and City funded resources that benefit ALL residents. That includes the funding that provides assistance for the water utility, eliminating property tax for seniors, and most importantly repurposing our vacant housing stock to create affordable housing, and stabilize our neighborhoods. Utilize Neighborhood agreements to ensure the interests of our residents are prioritized.
Continue to invest in neighborhood stabilization. As Wilmington becomes more attractive as a livable, walkable and user friendly city, new employers will be drawn to bring their businesses and employees to Wilmington. Invest in future employees by making sure everyone, especially our residents, all have an opportunity to participate. This includes internships, workforce development, certification and education to better prepare our residents. In addition, reducing recidivism by making sure everyone has the same equal opportunity to prepare and participate.
First, being respectful towards each other and respecting the powers that both offices hold. The people in both branches of government are public servants, whether elected, appointed or employees. The priority should always be to do what is best for the residents of Wilmington. This can be achieved with more open communication and respectful dialogue. We can agree to disagree, however doing so respectfully. Always remembering the example that is being set, and observed by the public and young impressionable future leaders. Show more kindness and try to see things from both points of view. Never forgetting why we got elected in the first place. It truly is a privilege to serve, not an entitlement!
Campaign Phone
(302)513-3182
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
3022528982
Neighborhood/area of residence
Wilmington/Quaker Hill
Education
Bachelor -Business Administration concentration human resources
Work Experience
Campus Recruiter PNC, Educator/Behavioral interventist Kuumba Academy Charter School, Staff Assistant/ Sen. Carper/ Confidential Assistant/ Economic Development Adminstration
Community Involvement
100 Black men of Delaware, Monday Club, Kappa Alpha Psi, Delaware State Alumni Association,Community Cares of Delaware
The most urgent issues in Wilmington are deeply personal to me as my family and I navigate them daily: Economic Development, Quality Education, Affordable Housing, and Public Safety. Through my work with the Economic Development Administration, I’ve seen how strategic investments create jobs and stimulate our local economy, positively affecting families. As a former Assistant Dean of Students, I understand how quality education can change lives. Affordable housing is essential, and everyone deserves a safe home. Crime and public safety are pressing concerns for our community. These issues impact our friends, families, and future, and addressing them is essential for Wilmington’s strength and prosperity.
I am a proud graduate of Delaware State University, one of the top HBCUs in the nation. At the Economic Development Administration, I helped deploy $4.6 billion across the U.S., fostering economic growth and job creation. As an entrepreneur, I co-founded Community Staffing Agency, creating over 200 jobs annually to support Wilmington schools.
My commitment to education is unwavering, having taught and mentored students. As the director of Community Cares, I serve over 20,000 families yearly through toy drives, back-to-school events, Easter egg hunts, and trunk-or-treats. These experiences showcase my leadership and ability to collaborate effectively, driving tangible improvements for our community.
Balancing the needs of Wilmington’s residents with commercial growth means involving the community in planning and decision-making. We need to make sure that new developments don't harm our neighborhoods. This includes enforcing zoning rules that keep residential areas protected and ensuring new projects improve infrastructure and provide affordable housing. By working closely with both residents and developers, we can guide growth that benefits everyone. Clear communication and transparency are key to making sure that progress aligns with the needs and values of our community.
Creating new jobs in Wilmington is a mission I’m passionate about. From my experience with the Economic Development Administration, I’ve seen how targeted investments in education and workforce development can transform communities. We need strong partnerships between local businesses, schools, and government to offer training and apprenticeship programs tailored to our industries. Supporting small businesses and startups with grants and streamlined processes can spark innovation. Focusing on sectors like technology, healthcare, and green energy will diversify our economy and attract new employers.
Getting city council and mayor on the same page is key to making real progress for Wilmington. From my experience in various government roles, I know that open communication and mutual respect go a long way. We need regular meetings and open forums where both sides can share their priorities and concerns. It’s important that the mayor and city council work together smoothly so we can tackle issues efficiently and get things done for our community. Clear guidelines for resolving conflicts will also help keep things on track. By aligning our efforts and staying engaged with residents, we can create a government that truly works for Wilmington.
Campaign Phone
302-746-2584
Neighborhood/area of residence
Triangle
Education
MBA, Wilmington University
Work Experience
Executive Director of statewide early childhood literacy nonprofit, former Newark Police Officer, Iraq war veteran, finance professional
Community Involvement
Past and present involvement includes board member of Literacy Delaware, President of Delaware Avenue Civic Association, Board Chair of Wilmington Housing Authority, Executive Committee Board Member of REACH Riverside,1504 N Broom Condo Association Board Member
Public safety, the fiscal stability of the City overall, and especially of the water system, vacant properties, blight, and housing affordability.
I am an Iraq War combat veteran with a strong background in nonprofit leadership, currently serving as Executive Director of a statewide early childhood literacy nonprofit. I’ve chaired the board of the Wilmington Housing Authority, where I worked on critical initiatives around affordable housing from the ground up such as REACH Riverside. I’ve demonstrated my ability to collaborate through my legislation banning police quotas in Wilmington, dealing with blight, and increasing standards in government by mandating annual ethics training for elected officials. With an MBA and a proven track record, I’m well-equipped to lead and work collaboratively in government.
We can and need to strike a balance by fostering smart growth that benefits both residents and businesses. Through thoughtful planning, dialogue and collaboration, we can ensure that development enhances quality of life while creating jobs.
Wilmington can continue to promote business-friendly policies and court businesses that can provide jobs to our residents. We should also be listening to businesses to see what laws are hampering growth and look to remedy them if appropriate.
Candidate has not yet responded.
