Who I Am.

Both of our children have grown up and attended school for the past seventeen years in Willoughby. The experience of being a parent to students in this district will be invaluable, as a Trustee. One of my goals as a Trustee will be to represent the parent's voice at the school board table. The journey I experienced with my own children and my experience advocating for youth in the district provides me with a valuable lens to serve.

Remaining silent in the face of inequality or injustice has always been difficult. As an optimist, I have always believed better is possible, often if collaborative action is prioritized. Taking action is not always popular or easy, but I am proud of my activism and advocacy in our community. 

My ability to effectively communicate, even under difficult circumstances, is a skill that will translate to my role as a Board member. The years of experience I have as an advocate and organizer will serve me well in my role as Trustee. Identifying an issue, consulting stakeholders and working with collaborators to work toward a solution, are all skills I have refined.

For several years, I have had the honour of organizing and working with neighbours on several community events. 

• Founder of B.C Families for Inclusivity, a group of local parents and family members supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students and District staff facing anti-SOGI123 misinformation. In my role, I communicated on the issue in the media and met with elected officials in our Legislature and in Ottawa. 
• Community Dinners to bring neighbours together, ease social isolation and discuss issues facing our community. These events have always been barrier-free.
• Community Art Workshops taught at Carnegie Community Centre and Options Community Services utilizing donated craft supplies. At Options, I was honoured to assist newcomer seniors in an ESL through the Creative Arts class. At the culmination of the year's classes, I was tasked with organizing an Art Show showcasing student artwork at Surrey City Hall. 
• Faces of Racism Team Member (on contract) with Options Community Services to assist with the creation of a resource for Asian communities to discuss and respond to subtle racism.https://www.facesofracism.ca/ 

I've been working in my family's local business since it opened in 2004 and after it was purchased in 2009. First, as a co-owner and for 12 years, I've had hands-on involvement with almost every aspect of the operation and I know how the business works. At the store, my skills are most often focused on staff management, and programming. I also design and teach classes for our customers.