I come from a proud union household. My father served in the U.S. Marines before becoming a member of the United Auto Workers, and my mom made her living as a telephone operator. They worked hard, expected a lot, and taught me the value of service and grit. I was the first in my family to attend college, earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco, and later pursuing graduate studies in Public Health. That education grounded me in science, shaped my approach to problem-solving, and fueled a lifelong commitment to helping others and giving back.

In 1993, I co-founded Alaska Water Systems, which provided a range of services throughout the state, including developing water infrastructure in Alaska’s rural areas. Building a business from the ground up wasn’t easy – it took grit, late nights, and a whole lot of problem-solving. But I helped lead that company for nearly twenty years, meeting payroll, balancing budgets, and building trust with customers throughout Alaska. Like many small business owners, I learned to think on my feet, plan effectively, and keep people at the heart of every decision.

As my family grew, so did my roots in Anchorage. Two of my children attended our public schools, and like many parents, I’ve juggled work, childcare, school pickups, and everything in between. I know the pressure families feel, the questions we carry, and the deep pride of seeing our children thrive.

In 2010, I took a new path and began working as a paralegal, focusing on helping women navigate divorce and custody issues. I’ve always believed in fairness and access to justice, and I’ve seen how life-changing it can be when someone feels heard and supported through a difficult time. I even represented myself in two cases before the Alaska Supreme Court and won.

In 2018, I lost my former partner to an opioid overdose. His addiction started with just one prescription, and it spiraled from there. Early on in his addiction, I raised concerns about the provider, but those concerns went unheard. Years later, that same provider was sentenced to 30 years in prison for overprescribing opioids that led to multiple tragic deaths.

That loss, as well as the toll his addiction took on our marriage and business, changed the way I see everything, especially how we respond to addiction and mental health in this city. I’ve seen how the system fails people. I’ve seen how easy it is for a life to fall through the cracks. And I’ve seen how hard it is for someone to find support when they need it the most.

That’s why I believe we must do better, especially for the most vulnerable among us. We need more treatment options, increased mental health support, and a greater sense of compassion and understanding. I don’t believe addiction makes someone disposable. I believe people deserve a chance to heal, recover, and reclaim their place as active, contributing members of society.

Every chapter of my life as a nurse, business owner, legal advocate, and mother has deepened my belief in public service. I believe in expanding affordable housing, ensuring public safety that works, investing in mental health care and substance use treatment, and creating a city that welcomes and includes everyone.

I have lived the struggles that too many families face, and I bring compassion and determination to the table. I am running for the Anchorage Assembly because I want to help move Midtown and Anchorage forward, and I hope to earn your trust and support along the way.