Why are you running for Legislative District 30 – State Representative Position 2?

I’m running to prioritize problem-solving over partisan politics and to center our work around the needs of our communities, focusing on common-sense solutions for a future that includes everyone.

Growing up the daughter of a single mom who struggled with substance abuse, I spent my first ten years in and out of foster care, was homeless in my teens, knowing it was leaders in Olympia and DC that would decide whether I had access to basic needs like food, shelter, and education.

Now, I’m a working mom with two kids in public schools, am a first-generation college graduate, and a small business owner. Thanks to public school educators and members of my community, I broke the cycle and I have seen first-hand how our systems can either support or hinder individual and community success.

I’m running to ensure everyone in our community has the same opportunity to break cycles, have a seat at the table, and a voice in their government.

The 30th District constituency includes the 5th most diverse zip code in the nation (98003). What are some actions you take to stay connected to these many different cultural communities so that you can effectively represent everyone?

In our diverse community, it’s crucial to understand that everyone engages with the government from different perspectives and experiences. Not all cultural communities want to engage with the government or have had positive experiences doing so.

I recognize that cultural communities are not monoliths, and interactions with groups and individuals reflect that diversity. It’s important to be accessible and avoid stereotyping or overgeneralizing perspectives.

Here are some ways I engage with our community’s diversity:

· Reach out to organizations to learn about specific causes and stay informed on community needs.

· Follow up with organizations providing social support to help them navigate the system.

· Offer constituent services to assist with state agencies.

· Host free public town halls with interpreters, materials in multiple languages, and invitations to community organizations.

· Hold weekly public coffee hours and virtual office hours.

· Schedule site visits, program tours, and one-on-one meetings to understand issues, interests, and needs.

With over 125 languages spoken in our schools, I advocate for supporting our public schools and educators in meeting the needs of students and families. Fighting for an inclusive future means meeting our community where they are and supporting their diverse needs. I have a proven track record of centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in this work and will continue to collaborate with our community to find common-sense solutions that serve the majority of our communities.

What will you do in the Legislature to address homelessness and affordable housing in your district?

Having experienced homelessness as a teenager, fighting for a fairer housing system in our state is a top priority for me.

We need to build more housing, and I helped pass the “middle housing” bill to address this. In the meantime, I have secured millions of dollars for our community to support transitional housing development with Fusion and resources for Mary’s Place. I will continue working with community partners to find common-sense solutions for housing insecurity.

There is more work to do to keep renters in their homes, provide pathways for first-time homebuyers, and strengthen exemptions for seniors and veterans to help them stay in their homes. I am committed to achieving housing stability and support our cities’ as they do the work to reduce permitting barriers, increase mixed-use development and multi-family housing, and explore alternatives to single-family housing.

What do you think are some root causes of crime in our area and how do you intend to address them in the Legislature?

Crime results from social and economic systems that fail to support people effectively.

Like many of you, I’m tired of walking into stores and telling my kids to put their hands in their pockets and not to touch things they can’t buy, while others walk out without paying. It’s equally disheartening to see families in our community working 2-3 jobs and still struggling to feed and house their loved ones.

We have a lot of work to do to ensure accountability on both ends of the system.

That’s why I voted to reinstate police pursuits with changes to engagement protocols. I supported funding for law enforcement and first responders and voted to bring more behavioral health professionals and social workers into our community to work alongside them.

I will continue to focus on creating a system that promotes accountability while recognizing that the current system isn’t working for everyone. We must be brave enough to hold ourselves accountable and work towards changing the system, so it serves everyone effectively.

What are your main qualifications and experience that will help you succeed in this position?

Serving as your state representative has been an honor, and I am eager to continue using my experience to fight for a future that includes everyone in our community.

I represent not just those who agree with me, those who look like me, or those who vote for me, but everyone in the 30th District. I take this responsibility seriously and remain committed to keeping an open door, an open mind, and a willingness to listen—even when we disagree. This is the kind of representation we deserve in Olympia. It is the way in which I do my work, how I get results, and how I will continue to show up in this job.

I believe my commitment to this inclusive and open approach is my most important qualification, and I humbly ask for your vote to continue working for you.