My passion for public service began in elementary school, when I was thrilled to be part of a team of students developing an after-school program for Farmington Hills middle schoolers. I’ve always felt so at home in Farmington Hills, and the chance to contribute to my community at such a young age changed me forever. Simply put, once I got a taste of public service, I was hooked. I joined two local boards and was selected to be a charter member of our Mayor’s Youth Council. After high school, I became the youngest city youth advisor in the country while earning my degree in Political Science at Purdue University. I’ve then spent eight years as a member of the Farmington Hills City Council, where some of my work included establishing a Community Health Commission, promoting sustainable building practices for new buildings, expanding recycling programs for condo associations, and reshaping and updating our Citizen Boards and Commissions to align with our population. Making life better for my neighbors and friends is what keeps me going every day.
Throughout my childhood, my parents taught me that life isn’t just about what I can do for myself, but how I can help those around me. My mother – the Mayor of Farmington Hills – also served in the Michigan House of Representatives, and my father devoted his career to labor law because he wanted to help workers advocate for themselves. Over family dinner every night, my parents would encourage me to look at the bigger picture and to use my voice to help others. These values shaped my career and my view of leadership. Most importantly, they’re my motivation for getting up each morning ready to take on the next challenge.
I’m running for re-election because I want to provide actual solutions for Michigan, not just talk about our problems. I’m an ordinary person who is facing the same challenges you are. I understand how hard it is to get ahead when you’re trying to pay for health insurance, rent, basic living expenses, and student loans on wages that have been too low for too long. I have the drive and the experience to continue representing our community in Lansing, and I’m ready to continue working toward an amazing future for all of us.