When I was 11 we were at my aunt’s house when I watched my dad die suddenly of congestive heart failure. He was 47. He started smoking Newport cigarettes when tobacco companies lied about the known dangers and heavily marketed to Black communities. He had also worked in buildings with disturbed asbestos. My father’s death was likely preventable if better policies had been in place to protect him throughout his life. That’s why today I fight for policies that enable us to live longer, healthier, and happier lives with our loved ones, like making sure we can afford a roof over our heads.

I began my career at the California Department of Public Health, where I built a statewide coalition that decreased infant mortality by 14% across the state. I worked successfully to expand women’s health coverage under Obamacare with no copays.

I used my experience and education to advocate for preventive services for women and access to free wellness visits, maternity care coverage, breast pumps, and birth control.

I transitioned to Senior Policy Director at Public Health Advocates to make a bigger impact for people across California. In my six years there, we have passed state and local policies related to marijuana legalization, community safety, nutrition, diabetes prevention, and racial equity.

I’ve seen firsthand how corporate lobbyists influence government to drive up healthcare costs. I’ve also seen how people can stand up together to make government work for all of us.

As a leader on Sacramento’s Active Transportation Commission, Mayor’s Commission on Climate Change, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Outreach Community Advisory Board, and the Measure U Community Advisory Commission I’ve advocated for policies that improve people’s lives in our city.

As mayor, I’ll collaborate with leaders across the city and state to reduce homelessness, improve our public transportation, make housing more affordable, and make City Hall serve the people.