One of the most profound college experiences I've had has been serving as the UW's Student Body Vice President. As the Chief Internal Officer for more than 70 student employees and tens of volunteers, I am surrounded by passionate and hard-working people from all walks of life and all political views–both students, and UW administration. And, naturally, we often disagree.  I’m beyond grateful to be around people that are not afraid to challenge me on my ideas and revitalize my passion for advocating for my community every day. I’m proud to have cultivated an environment of collaboration, growth, and reflection within our student government–including one where employees are not afraid to speak their minds, because they know they’ll be heard. This experience has been challenging, rewarding, and taught me so much about resilience, leadership, and advocacy. You can find my campaign website here.

In 2019, a friend near Deming, Washington told me how her local salmon population was threatened by the manure fur farms had dumped into local rivers. I soon learned that Deming is just one of many communities in the state that have been subject to water and air pollution from fur farms. Since then, I've worked with The Animal Rights Initiative on the #FurFreeWA campaign to ban the commercial sale and factory farming production of fur in Washington. This year, we have introduced two bills in the state legislature to ban most sales and manufacture of fur products, while helping farmers transition to other industries.

As a lead volunteer, I authored a petition that has been signed by 140,000 concerned citizens, promoted awareness events, created lobbying materials, and managed a social media campaign.  In my career, I hope to continue to use the law as a way to find justice for communities harmed by environmental issues.

Although I’ve come into my own as a gay woman, I struggled with coming to terms with my sexuality when I was younger. Especially in my work in government, I’ve experienced scathing homophobia. Because of this, I almost quit lobbying only months after I first began. But, being mentored by a gay advocate showed me that being gay wasn’t something I need to overcome, but something that gives me a unique and valuable perspective on the issues of justice I fight against.

I was inspired to get involved with my local LGBTQ+ community because I want to pay forward what my mentor did for me. I've spent years as an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, working as a Board member at the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network of Washington, as a youth group lead at the Seattle Lambert House, and as the UW Director of the Queer Student Commission, for which I was awarded the Husky Hall of Fame Activities Award. In those positions, I mentor young people and create spaces for them to advocate for others and become leaders in their own right. 

All issues, including the environmental issues I advocate on behalf of, need leaders of all backgrounds. I want to make sure that the generation of LGBTQ+ youth that comes after me is equipped with what they need to make a difference.