Why

My four years at Yale have been just that – four years to see the full breadth of experience here. I see Yalies when they are pre-frosh – I am a Senior Interviewer for the Admissions Office – and I see Yalies in their first year here – I now serve as a Morse Freshman Counselor. I myself was a Freshman Class Council representative three years ago, and then Secretary of Sophomore Class Council, and later Vice President of Morse College Council. I have worked closely with Yale administration – for one, serving on the Student Search Committee for Dean of Yale College – and have seen the diversity of extracurricular experience here, participating in groups on all corners of campus. When I am Alderman, this understanding of Yale life will not just inform my leadership; it will empower me to deliver results.

From the start of freshman year, I have built a deep understanding of the community immediately beyond Yale’s doors. I have taught in schools all across New Haven – as a Dwight Hall Public School Intern, as a member of the Teaching Prep program, and even as a dancer with my African dance troupe, Konjo. I have spent the past three summers in New Haven: the first teaching middle school with the U.S. Grant Program, the second teaching environmental stewardship to children at Westville Manor, and the third conducting research on race relations. I have known the incredible gifts New Haven can give to Yale –the deep conversations, the arts and cultural events, the joys of making connections outside of Yale’s doors – and I have also seen the power of Yale and Yale students to address New Haven’s challenges.

During this campaign, and later as Alderman, I will host weekly events to begin bringing our communities together, from filling the Green for a dance party to doing a neighborhood cleanup. I will have a weekly newsletter to keep us connected. And, I aim to be Ward 1’s most visible alderman yet – creating an advisory board of Yale students who are deeply involved in local issues, hosting weekly dinners with 10 randomly selected Yale students, and tirelessly soliciting feedback with quick, relevant surveys for constituents.

And of course, with your vote, I will also be playing a role in city government.

For my specific stances on policy issues confronting our city, check out the Platform/Issues page. But for now, welcome to OUR campaign!

I’ve had four years at Yale and am looking forward to years to come living in New Haven. I’ll be a teacher in the public schools next year, but with your vote, I’ll be more, too: Ward 1 Alderman.

The Ward 1 seat is unlike any other seat. It is not just a role in city government, but also a unique bridge between two communities that can benefit from each other in so many untapped ways.

But in order to tap that potential, our community needs a new kind of candidate – someone with experience; someone with a firm understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this city; someone with deep connections to Yale and to New Haven.

I am running for Ward 1 Alderman because I believe I am that new kind of candidate, ready to be a link for Yale and New Haven, and a catalyst for action in our community.