Why I Ran in 2020 & am running again in 2022

I ran in 2020 and am running again in 2022 for one basic reason.

Our country is shaped by inequality, and Black and brown people are taking the brunt of damage and are left out of too much of the opportunity. We need more people in office who will speak out about this, push to design policies that address this, and ensure seats at the table for all communities. That's what I am committed to doing.

This will ensure that we can bring broad and effective approaches to:

• Achieving meaningful health care reform
• Addressing the health and economic challenges from COVID
• Taking on the climate crisis

Having lived in Eagan for over 25 years, I know and love this vibrant community. I bring 30 years of business and leadership experience, including 12 years at Blue Cross here in Eagan. Professionally I focus on understanding needs and implementing cost effective and people-centered solutions. I’m an executive coach and have written a business advice column in the Star Tribune for the past 10 years. I have a bachelor's degree in Chinese from the University of Minnesota, and a master's degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University (Research Methodology and Public Policy). I am a certified Executive Coach. 

My husband Jim and I have been married for 25 years and have four adult kids, a demanding cat, and a sweet rescue dog. I love hiking and kayaking, yoga, parks, cooking, and studying foreign languages.  I'm a survivor of domestic violence and was a single mom for several years. My son and I benefited directly from the support of our fellow Minnesotans and I am dedicated to strengthening the programs that helped us and to giving back to our community.  

Eagan has been a wonderful place in which to live, work, and raise my four kids. I’ve also spent my years here volunteering with many organizations to support our community.  

My kids are grown now, and two years ago my husband Jim and I made the transition from the home where my children grew up to a smaller residence perfect for empty nesters. We are living what many in our community hope for: the ability to live all stages of our lives right here in the community that we love. I’m proud to say that my son purchased his childhood home, and I’m excited to see the next generation of family putting down roots in Eagan. 

I am committed to Eagan

I’ve been active in our community for decades, investing my time in creating a just place where everyone belongs. 

I’m a coach—that’s true in my professional life, where I train leaders and improve business structures. However, I’ve also volunteered as a soccer coach for Eagan Athletic Association, and served on the Board of Directors for several years. I’m a hockey mom, managed my kids’ teams for years, and also served on the Eastview Hockey Board, working as registrar, coordinator of the girls’ league, and organizing the fundraising program. 

I was also an active volunteer at ISD 196 schools as my kids made their way from elementary school through high school. I was there planting trees at Oak Ridge School, working on international fairs, chaperoning field trips, and spending time as a classroom volunteer. 

I’m committed to our SD 51 DFL

I’ve been active in our local party long before we were SD51 (remember SD 38?) and in the days before our district was “blue.” I served as precinct chair for several years, and I co-chaired Sandy Masin’s successful House campaign where she ousted the incumbent Republican legislator. I’ve marched in the 4th of July parade many times with our DFL candidates over the years, I’ve volunteered for the DFL trash pick up, worked the booth at the State Fair, and helped at numerous party pot lucks. Most importantly, I’ve been an active volunteer for our DFL candidates, participating in door knocking and phone banking events—helping get Democrats elected in Eagan. 

It has been so gratifying to see our local DFL unit grow from the small numbers of its early days into the dynamic leadership organization that it is today.  I’ve loved seeing our district change from red to blue. We have built this together, Eagan Democrats. 

I’m working for Eagan’s future 

A few years ago, I made a conscious commitment to use my time and my privilege to work for racial and economic justice in Minnesota. My husband and I volunteer regularly at the Open Door, and commit our time and resources to helping families in our community live with dignity.  I have also lifted my voice and stood with community members to call for action in the officer involved shooting of a Black man in Eagan. I have volunteered my time with organizations working for justice, and I consciously use my white privilege to lift up the people who are too often let down by our systems. 

I am working to ensure that all voices are part of building the future of Eagan.