My Story

When my husband and I bought our house in Menlo Park, I was so excited that I would be able to walk and bike with my daughter to kindergarten, given that our home was located within a mile from Lower Laurel Elementary School. Then we tried to do it one day. Not only were the road conditions unsafe for my daughter, I didn’t feel comfortable as an adult riding on the street. Cars, buses, trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians all competed for space on a narrow road. I put our bikes away, found two other families to carpool with, and bought a minivan. A few years went by, and as many busy parents do, I focused inwardly on my family and my own life. But every time I drove on that dangerous street, I would mutter to myself, “Somebody has to do something about this.”

In 2016, I realized that the “somebody” I was looking for was me. I started small, talking to my neighbors and focusing on the streets near my house, but quickly realized that safe walking and biking options were lacking all around town. In 2017, I launched Parents for Safe Routes, a community-wide advocacy group committed to getting kids to school safely. In the short three years since I founded the group, I have successfully lobbied the Menlo Park City Council to develop a Safe Routes to School program and have been instrumental in getting local jurisdictions and agencies (San Mateo County, Menlo Park City School District, etc.) to prioritize safe streets for all. I’ve given many talks about Safe Routes to School advocacy and have been honored with multiple awards for my work in advancing safety in our community.

Over the years, I began to think about other big issues confronting Menlo Park. I have since become a vocal proponent for addressing our regional housing shortages, developing a stronger climate action plan, and approaching all that we do through an equity lens. I am a proud former member of Menlo Together, a local organization of community leaders and residents who envision a city that is integrated and diverse, multi-generational, and environmentally sustainable. I see the changes coming to Menlo Park as opportunities to move forward together towards a better future.

I am hard-working, grounded in my values, and ready to commit to the responsibility the office demands. I care deeply about our community and believe that local policy matters. I humbly ask for your vote. Thank you.