I am running for a seat on the Alameda DCCC.
Now is the time for me to Step Up as a lifelong Democrat and social activist.
I am running to have a VOTE and VOICE in the Alameda County Central Committee. As an Oakland native, I am an out and proud, 68 year old African American Lesbian who is passionate about social justice, civil rights and equality. I have the community leadership, collaborative spirit and dedication to public service. I served six years as President of East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club, one the oldest LGBTQ community organizations in the East Bay, and am currently an appointed delegate for Senator Nancy Skinner, and Executive Board member of the CA Democratic Party LGBT Caucus, and an appointed Member of the State Democratic Party Affirmative Action Standing Committee. Oakland Mayor Schaff recently appointed me to the Selection Panel for the Citizen Police Commission.
I joined the Board of East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club in 1997 because I felt that it was important to represent and promote the visibility of African American LGBTQ individuals. Serving as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President and President, I doubled the membership of the Club and outreached to guarantee a more inclusive membership with greater participation. I have been politically active in state, national, and local elections by phone banking, community organizing and fundraising.
Professionally, I retired 8 years ago as the City of Oakland’s Aging & Adult Services Division Manager. I oversaw five programs for seniors and adult with disabilities and provided services to 4,000 vulnerable older adults annually. I am an accomplished Administrator and Social Worker with over 30 years in the fields of aging, mental health and workforce development. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from SF State University. I am a committed advocate and voice for elders, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals on a local, state, and national level.
Recognized locally and nationally for my leadership skills, at the Oakland’s Task Force Creating Change Conference, I was presented the “Community Builders Award”, and was instrumental in providing funding for the monthly Lavender Seniors Lunch Bunch at the North Oakland Senior Center (LGBTQ seniors coming together for mutual support). In addition, I was the 2018 Oakland Pride Legacy Grand Marshal. In my spare time, I am currently Board President of Health and Human Resource Education, Inc. (HHREC), a non-profit organization creating a healthy community by reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and eliminating racism and violence. I recently joined the Pacific Center for Human Growth Board of Directors. Pacific Center is the oldest LGBTQ Center in the East Bay and offers peer support groups alongside mental health counseling for LGBTQ people.
This year, I celebrated my 27th year committed relationship with my wife, Nancy Hinds. We were one of the first LGBTQ couples married by Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums and Congresswoman Barbara Lee on June 16, 2008.
