Equity is Everyone’s Work

In my office, the Department of Academic Equity and Access, we say that “equity is everyone’s work.” Equity is not a box that you check, training that you attend, or certification you earn. It is not a one-time thing. Achieving equity in our work requires careful examination of everything we do to identify and address inequities.

In getting back to the basics, I am talking about ensuring the city does the critical work for all its citizens. I am not going to make equity a separate part of my platform. It is the driving force of my work and the passion I bring to the city council chambers.

When I talk about public health and public safety, I am talking about investing in those residents and communities that need it the most. I want to ensure that everyone can live in a safe and healthy neighborhood.

When I talk about education, I am talking about ensuring all our children have a robust and extensive education. I want all of them to have access to our recreation, art, entertainment and extending learning opportunities and that their zip code won’t determine their destiny.

When I talk about jobs, I am focused on ensuring all our residents have a pathway to opportunity and meaningful work. Through work with K-12 schools, colleges and local businesses, we can attract the job opportunities that will provide a career path for so that all of our residents can afford to live in Tacoma, raise a family, and thrive.

When we deliver on core services and go back to the basics, equity is a critical expectation we should have for our city. From our leaders to our front-line public servants, equity is everyone’s work. We must elect councilmembers that understand that. By supporting me, you are not getting a leader that mentions equity to check a box and score points. By supporting me, you get a leader driven by equity and ensuring that everyone gets what they deserve from our city.