Why I’m Running:

At the age of 14, I faced my first major life tragedy—the loss of my mother. It was a pivotal moment, one that forced me to choose a path forward. Thankfully, I was surrounded by the unwavering support of my family and a community of loving, caring individuals who helped me navigate this profound hardship. That experience ignited a deep passion within me for education, community, and the well-being of Mother Earth. It also instilled in me a lifelong commitment to ensuring that the next generation has the opportunities and resources to reach their dreams, just like my parents and community did for me.

Growing up as an Indigenous student on the Warm Springs Reservation, with my school nearly an hour away, I experienced firsthand the isolation and harm that stemmed from a system that often lacked equity and cultural understanding. I vividly remember the painful sense of being silenced and dismissed. These experiences fueled my dedication to creating a school environment where every student feels valued, heard, and respected.

Everyday I work towards dismantling the harmful systems that often leave our most vulnerable communities—youth, elders, non-English speakers, low-income individuals, the houseless, immigrants, undocumented people, those with diverse abilities, and many others—on the margins. These communities are at the heart of my commitment to creating lasting, meaningful change.

In 2021, I ran for this seat and lost by a narrow margin of just 2,308 votes. When the recent opportunity to be appointed arose, I eagerly seized the opportunity. On February 18, 2025, I had the honor of taking my Oath of Office and joining the Board of Directors for the Multnomah Education Service District representing Position 1, Zone 5, becoming the first Native American/Tribal Citizen of a Federally Recognized Tribe to serve on the board.

It has been an incredible privilege to work alongside passionate and dedicated community members to ensure that our youth can achieve their fullest potential. I would be honored to continue in this role for the next four years and remain committed to fighting for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.