Born and raised in Oakland’s District 4 , I’ve centered my life and career on building community, solving problems, and leading change in my hometown. I spent my youth volunteering, through countless Girl Scout projects, at Children’s Fairyland. I was elected as District 4’s Councilmember in November 2010. I work hard every day to reduce crime, build a thriving economy, support our schools, and make your government more responsive and responsible.

I offer a proven track record in Oakland. While an attorney in my late 20s I co-founded a non-profit that organized hundreds of volunteer community improvement projects and then left one of Oakland’s largest law firm to build and run the first centralized volunteer program for Oakland public schools. I have 14 years of experience working in local government, having served as the Economic Policy Advisor to the Oakland City Council, the Affairs Director for the Port of Oakland, a top aide to Mayor Jerry Brown and Chief of Staff to Council President Ignacio De La Fuente.

Public service is in my DNA. I’ve been volunteering in Oakland since I was 5 years old. I currently serve as an officer, director, or advisory board member of seven Oakland non-profits, including Oakland Schools Foundation, Make Oakland Better Now!, the Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA) and Rebuilding Together Oakland. I’ve recently served on the Boards of the League of Women Voters of Oakland, Lighthouse Community Charter School, Pro Arts and Sentinel Fair Housing.

I live in Oakland’s Dimond/Oakmore neighborhood with my husband Sal Fahey and children Dominic and Lena.

Specialties: Building community collaborations; creative problem solving; getting things done; bringing state and federal dollars to Oakland; analyzing policy and legislative proposals; organizing volunteer efforts; supporting local businesses and artists and promoting Oakland as the greatest place to live, work, play, and do business.