VOTE411 Voter Guide

I offer a unique blend of experienced leadership and a lifelong commitment to public service. For the past six years, I have faithfully served on the Metropolitan Community College Board of Trustees, including leadership roles as the Vice Chair of the Board. My advocacy for student learners extends to the national level, where I was elected to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to represent the interests of community colleges across the country.

Beyond my tenure as a Trustee, I bring decades of public service experience to this role, including my previous service on the Kansas City, Missouri City Council. My career has been defined by a dedication to our community’s growth, and I possess the institutional knowledge necessary to ensure MCC continues to provide high-quality, affordable education for all. It has been a thrill to advocate for the next generation of learners, and I am eager to continue this work for the residents of our district.

My primary focus for the next year is making Metropolitan Community College "Kansas City’s First Choice" by eliminating barriers to higher education. My priorities include:

Expanding the KC Guarantee: I am committed to championing the KC Guarantee, a historic initiative that ensures high school students from low-to-modest income families have a guaranteed path to a degree or credential at no cost. By committing to "last dollar" funding, we are removing the financial gap for students in our partner districts, including Hickman Mills, Grandview, and Center.

Student Success & Support: Beyond tuition, I will advocate for the wraparound services included in the KC Guarantee, such as intentional case management, technology resources (laptops), and stipends to ensure our students don't just enroll, but successfully complete their credentials.

Regional Leadership & Accessibility: I intend to lead the effort to scale our pilot programs across the metropolitan area, ensuring that