I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Rochester City Council. I am a lifelong resident of Rochester and my journey has equipped me with the resilience, dedication, and vision necessary to serve our city effectively.`Born and raised in Rochester, I experienced the instability of moving 17 times and attending 14 different schools, predominantly in impoverished neighborhoods. These early trials ignited my passion for creating stability and opportunity for families like mine, which is why I developed a successful career in real estate.
I am proud of my experience in the private sector, but I am also deeply connected to grassroots nonprofits throughout Rochester. I am the Director of Programs for the Youth Tech Academy, Co Chair of Sweet Ida Mae Pantry, Chair of Doula Me After Care, and Board Member of GRAR Black Caucus of Realtors. My work with these organizations allows me to support my community in many ways, from crisis intervention to creating effective youth development programs.
I am a single mother of three beautiful children, so I understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for families to thrive. My role as a mother and my memory of the instability of my youth has led me on the path I am on now. I work as a realtor and community activist to provide families with the stability that I only once dreamed of, and that I now prioritize for my kids. That’s also what motivated me to run for City Council.
As a Councilmember, I will further some of the work that I have already started on a grassroots level:
● Home Ownership: I will continue to host transformative workshops that equip residents with the tools and knowledge to navigate the home-buying process confidently, empowering them to achieve the dream of homeownership and long-term stability. I will actively partner with the city to champion and amplify initiatives that create equitable pathways to ownership for all residents.
● Small Businesses: I will remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting small businesses by connecting them with vital resources, development opportunities, and mentorship programs. Together, we will foster a thriving local economy, cultivating resilience and opening doors to growth and success for entrepreneurs.
● Resource Connection: I will collaborate with Rochester’s vast network of nonprofits and grassroots organizations to close the gap between critical services and the individuals and families who need them most. Together, we can ensure that every resource available is utilized to uplift and empower our community.
● Public Safety: I will actively work to rebuild trust and foster mutual respect between public safety officials and our community. By facilitating open, transparent dialogues and advocating for safety measures that truly reflect the needs, values, and voices of our residents, we will create a foundation for safety, unity, and justice.
My academic background in Communications from SUNY Geneseo has further strengthened my ability to effectively convey ideas and advocate for meaningful change. Whether speaking at church events or organizing community give-back events like our annual Thanksgiving dinner and Halloween trunk-or-treat, my goal is always to spread accurate information, provide valuable resources, and strengthen the bonds within our community.
I bring a proven track record of leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Rochester residents. My ability to overcome obstacles and learn from my circumstances has allowed me to flourish and will enable me to address the diverse challenges our city faces with empathy and strategic solutions.
I am dedicated to advancing policies that promote home ownership, support small businesses, connect residents with vital resources, and restore positive relationships between public safety and the community. Together, we can build a Rochester that offers stability, opportunity, and a sense of belonging for all its residents. With your support, I am eager to continue serving our community in this new capacity and to work collaboratively with you to achieve our shared vision for a thriving Rochester.