I bring a deep passion for serving children, teens, and families, paired with experience in both crisis support and education. As a police chaplain, I have walked alongside families during their most vulnerable moments, and as an educator, I’ve empowered at-risk students to grow through learning, stewardship, and connection. I am a natural community builder who values relationships, unity, and hope through events and traditions that strengthen trust. I also believe in celebrating the cultural and recreational activities that make Hopkins unique, while expanding mentorship and internship opportunities to support our youth. My commitment is to foster connection, resilience, and opportunity so our community can thrive together.

I am dedicated to three priorities: 1) building mentorship and internship programs that connect youth with leaders, city staff, and first responders; 2) strengthening community partnerships through arts, theatre, cultural events, and collaboration with Hopkins Police; and 3) driving growth with initiatives like “Explore Hopkins”. This initiative will highlight our local merchants, small businesses, breweries, restaurants, and the many other unique aspects that make Hopkins vibrant and welcoming.

For nearly 20 years, I’ve served diverse communities as a teacher, mentor, pastor, and police chaplain, working with youth, refugees, and adults from many cultures. In leadership roles on school and arts boards, I’ve championed inclusion and collaboration. My commitment is to recognize differences as strengths, uplift all voices, and build stronger, more resilient communities through service and engagement.

I believe transparency begins with listening. I’m committed to creating a welcoming space where every voice in Hopkins is valued, and I will use honesty and integrity to guide my decisions. I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns, and I promise to respond with respect and action. As our city grows and changes, I’ll work to ensure we not only adapt but thrive, together, with kindness, collaboration, and care for our community members, businesses, and those who support our community.

As an incumbent council member, I believe I am the best candidate because I have a proven track record of doing right by & deeply caring about my City. I am the first woman of color in the position which demonstrates a commitment to breaking barriers & representing a historically under-represented demographic. I am deeply involved in local, county, state & national organizations, proving my dedication to the community. I hold multiple government jobs, which further highlights my seriousness about public service. My strong social media & community presence show a strong connection to my constituents. After 3.5 years of work, I have the experience & relationships needed to continue making a positive impact.

Despite Hopkins' smaller size, we are growing. The addition of our Green Line LRT will stimulate development, attract business & tourism, and increase mobility & accessibility. One priority would be to ensure that our public safety departments are are well-staffed. Another would be to continue to prioritize mobility & accessibility for all - not just via LRT, but in all ways (micro-mobility, safe sidewalks, etc.). Another priority is sustainability and creating a greener, cleaner City for all.

As the first woman of color on the City Council, I have connected with my diverse community by building trust through visibility and accessibility. I am present on social media, I collaborate with cultural and business organizations, and I understand unique needs and advocates for policies that address systemic inequalities. I want my active engagement and representation to empower my residents so that they trust me as a leader and someone they can talk to with ease.

I want to build transparency and trust by making government more accessible online; forms, information, even using closed captions for live-streamed meetings. I frequently use social media to communicate with residents. I am an active listener at events and meetings, and encourage conversation. I lead with a strong ethical code and with a desire for public participation, thus creating a more open and accountable local government.

We all have seen some big changes in Hopkins! As the SWLRT comes to fruition, it will bring a host of options in housing, infrastructure needs, and business growth, and new opportunities. My involvement in City Council from 2015-2020, and recent reappointment, paired with earlier volunteer opportunities on the Park Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, provide a sound foundation on where we’ve been. That, paired with a sound knowledge and background in Civil Engineering and Public Works, bodes well for continued redevelopment of our hometown. My experiences in municipal design, construction inspection, and project management over the past 30 years give me a sound understanding of redevelopment, and the importance of doing things right.

Housing and Infrastructure: Ensuring access for all by keeping Hopkins affordable for everyone. Continue rebuilding our infrastructure, create streets that improve walkability, streetscapes, and trails. Preserving Home: Keep our authentic hometown feel is extremely important to me. It can’t be emulated by any of our neighboring communities, making us unique. It’s the main reason I call Hopkins home. Supporting all business districts in Hopkins to keep them vibrant as SWLRT comes to fruition.

Engaging with our community means listening to all diverse voices and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. This outreach includes safe meeting spaces and trust, surveys in native languages, and participation in cultural events. It is essential to understand the unique challenges tied to culture, age, income, or background and to shape fair policies. By building trust, respect, and open dialogue, I will work hard to ensure every resident has a voice in shaping the future of our hometown.

I'll continue to promote transparency and accountability through open communication, ensuring access to meetings and recordings, and pushing for clear budget/policy reporting. I will continue oversight through audits, evaluations, and regular review of city operations. Engaging with our residents through a “taking it to them approach” like community surveys, accessible forums, and most importantly, staying responsive; it builds trust and ensures government actions reflect our community needs.