Past:Member of City Council—District 7
I am running as a candidate for the City of Pittsburgh City Council Seat for District 7. As a life-long resident of District 7, active volunteer, former board member of Lawrenceville United for over seven years, and small business owner in the District, I believe that I have a unique perspective on the challenges and needs of the communities within District 7, and I look forward to discussing these issues with community members throughout the District..
I was born and raised in Lawrenceville and have lived in District 7 for 45 years. I am a Pittsburgh Public Schools graduate, received my B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and I earned my Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Point Park University in 2013. In 2007 I purchased my first home in Stanton Heights and continue living there today. In 2014 I opened the 52nd Street Market in Upper Lawrenceville with my business partner Dora Walmsley with the goals of delivering accessible and fresh food to my neighbors while also creating a space that fostered a strong sense of community in a rapidly changing neighborhood. I helped to run the market successfully for close to 5 years, focusing on building community and meeting the needs of all of neighbors, including my friends and family. These experiences helped me to gain a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges present throughout the communities of District 7 and Pittsburgh.
I have a vested interest in District 7 as most of my family members and many of my life-long friends live in the district to this day, alongside those new friends I’ve met through my community service and engagement. A strong commitment to family, friends and community is what has compelled me to decide to run for City Council. District 7 is an amazing place, which is why I made the decision to stay and invest my time and energy into protecting and preserving what makes our communities unique and special, and confronting those issues that threaten its vitality and its ability to offer all residents and stakeholders a high quality of life and opportunity. I have volunteered for many Democratic candidates over the years and truly believe that I have the background, education, and experience necessary to serve as the City Council representative for District 7.
I look forward to bringing all of my experience, education and passion to the District 7 Council Seat. I look forward to meeting members of the community; as well as share my thoughts and concerns on issues within District 7, and working together to take action in identifying and solving problems and advancing important projects and initiatives that will create strong and healthy communities.
