.JPG/:/cr=t:15.98%25,l:17.1%25,w:67.57%25,h:67.57%25/rs=w:1000,h:1500,cg:true,m)
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about"
Margaret J. Wheatly
About Me
I have lived in Minnesota for the past 18 years with a short stint in Alaska thrown in there somewhere. I received my undergraduate degree and Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, while also competing on the Track and Field team as a jumper. I have worked in the nonprofit world for the majority of my career with young people involved in systems, and most recently work as a School Advocate, supporting schools in the Metro and southeastern part of the state with comprehensive needs assessments and improvement planning.
I am a track and field coach at Armstrong High School, and have been so for the last 8 years.
For the past 10 years, I have resided in Robbinsdale. I was introduced to Robbinsdale as a community that gives you access to a big city, yet had the small town vibes. I hadn't spent much time here, and it didn't take me long to realize the gem where my wife and I would call home and continue to grow our family. My family consists of my wife, my son, daughter and two dogs. Robbinsdale has been a place where we have joined and built a community of neighbors and friends. I most recently ran in the special election held in February of 2023 vying for a chance to do more in Robbinsdale. What I have learned since that time, is Robbinsdale has rich corner of history, that is felt by current residents. Finding ourselves in the middle of huge decisions that will impact us today and for years to come. I aim to bring my ability to listen deeply, reflect and create necessary dialogue to make collaborative decisions. I look forward to serve as a part of the city council and be in deep relationship with my neighbors to support Robbinsdale, as we are currently creating our history!
Equity
I define Equity as ensuring that individuals get access to the same opportunities, while also taking into account the histories and barriers that have existed throughout time limiting one’s opportunities. My work for over a decade has been about creating access to the once inaccessible, co-creating to approach removing barriers and seeking solutions to the multitude of inequities that exist. I think it is important to recognize that the continuum that we all exist on, and despite that push us to be intentional in thought, outcomes and actions. Equity should be a part of everything that we strive to be as a community in Robbinsdale. Seeking out the inequities and continuing to learn about how they impact our neighbors in our community.
Community voice
I find it vitally important to capture community voice, by creating ways and opportunities for those who dwell in Birdtown, resident, or visitor to be heard. I believe that there needs to be ample opportunity, and access for all voices to be represented. Robbinsdale has a rich history and a bright future as we continue to look at where we have been and where we are heading towards as we usher in new opportunities. I want to listen and be responsive to the voices that reside here in Birdtown, and those that visit our city.
Blueline LRT
I am in support of the Blue Line LRT in Robbinsdale. The residents of Robbinsdale are entitled to a thoughtful, strategic and engaging approach to this multi-city project. A few important factors that need to be addressed are pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as the environmental implications this will have on Robbinsdale! The Blue Line LRT will reduce barriers and provide a public transit option for residents and those wanting to visit our city. This project has been in the making for many years to no avail, and we need to be actively engaged to advance solutions that continue to ensure our city stays connected, relevant and vibrant. I want to represent the voice of Ward 1 and hear from residents the needs to make the Blue Line LRT a sustainable and viable resource for our community. As we grow and evolve our infastructure has to grow and evolve, with a keen sense of awareness to maintain the charm that is Robbinsdale.
Environment
If we all do our part we can slow down and shift the effects of climate change. I see it as our duty as a community to be intentional and mindful about how we are impacting our environment with our daily habits. We have beautiful lakes and green spaces that exist in Robbinsdale, and we need to consider how we as a community tend to that beauty, by reducing our carbon footprint. I think about the stretch of road on W Broadway between 47th Avenue up to where the road comes to Graeser Park and the ability to add safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists, as it is a direct access to downtown Robbinsdale and Twin Lake. This would encourage more people to feel safe to walk along that path as they access different parts of the community.