My Background
I came to Waterloo in 2015 to start a B.Sc in Biochemistry at the University of Waterloo. Through 3 co-op terms in Waterloo, and five years living here, I fell in love with the city - the vibrant neighbourhoods, the then under-construction ION, the exciting community events in Uptown Square, and the beautiful Waterloo Park.
After graduating, I chose to stay. Through COVID, I started the game of biking to every park in the city, in alphabetical order, and I got to know every corner of this community!
In 2022, I started a Master in Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph. My degree focused on the effects of thawing permafrost on arctic plants and their resulting carbon releases, and included three months of field work in Fairbanks, Alaska. With this academic experience, I went on to work in Toronto and Waterloo Region in wetland and trails restoration and maintenance.
Why I'm Running
I’m running to be a city councillor because I want to continue to push Waterloo to become a city in which everybody loves to live. I will advocate for parks and community centres: places to connect with neighbours, discover nature, and feel that you belong. I’ll push for a better housing strategy that will enable us to build affordable homes and walkable neighbourhoods. I’ll prioritize greenways, waterways, and active transport connectivity so everyone can get where they need to go safely with a variety of transit options. I want kids to be able to bike to school in our city.
My volunteer experience with KW Little Theatre and other arts groups across the city has given me spaces to connect and come together, and I want to bring that attitude to the city as a whole. Social isolation is growing, and there are so many important things we need to do to build our city into a place where everyone is as connected as they want to be - programming for everyone in easily accessible places, stronger neighbourhood associations, and so much else.
I promise to listen to my constituents and help as much as possible so Ward 3 has a voice at City Council and the city moves forward in the best way we can, to grow smart, sustainably, and together.