Why I’m Running for Illinois State Senate—And Why It Matters to You
Hi friends – I want to take a moment to share more from the heart about my decision to run for Illinois State Senate in District 27.
This campaign is not just about politics—it’s about people.
IIt’s about every working parent struggling with child care, every young person navigating student debt, and every neighbor who wants to feel safe in their own community. It’s about the families, small businesses, and support systems that make our district thrive—and the policies that must reflect their realities.
Who I Am and Why I Care
Illinois is home. I grew up here, I’m raising my kids here, and I’ve spent my career fighting for families across our state. As a licensed clinical social worker and Executive Director of Shelter, Inc., I’ve led efforts to protect vulnerable youth, support survivors of trauma, and navigate the broken systems too many families fall through.
My work has taught me that real change starts by listening—then rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. That’s what I’ve done at the nonprofit level. That’s what I’ve done as a local Trustee. And that’s what I’ll do in Springfield.
What I’m Fighting For
This campaign is built on action—not promises. Here’s what I’ll bring with me to the Illinois Senate:
An Economy That Works for All of Us
Everyday families are stretched thin while corporations receive tax breaks. I’ll fight for policies that lower the cost of living, raise wages, and protect working people—not Wall Street profits.
Affordable Housing & Safe Communities
From expanding housing options to funding trauma-informed public safety models, I’ll prioritize smart development and real safety—rooted in prevention, not punishment.
Child Welfare & Family Supports
We need to fully support youth in foster care, kinship caregivers, and families in crisis. I’ll advocate for prevention-first models and ensure fair treatment for all families, regardless of immigration status.
Support for Working Families
Raising the minimum wage. Expanding child care access. Defending paid leave. These aren’t luxuries—they’re essential. I’ll stand with unions and working parents every step of the way.
Education Equity
Public schools deserve full funding, not political attacks. I’ll champion equitable state funding, inclusive curriculum, and mental health resources in every district—urban, suburban, and rural.
Health Equity & Mental Health Access
Health care should be a right, not a privilege. I’ll fight for expanded Medicaid access, reproductive rights, and better behavioral health care across Illinois.
Justice Reform & Immigrant Rights
We need real alternatives to incarceration and protection for immigrant communities. I’ll work to end harmful policies and invest in programs that build up—not lock up—our communities.
Climate Justice
Let’s build a future rooted in clean energy, union jobs, and local environmental protection. I’ll fight for climate resilience and preservation of our green spaces.
Government That Works for You
From local innovation to home rule protections, I’ll push for government that is transparent, collaborative, and truly representative of every corner of our district—not just Chicago and Springfield.
Why This Election Matters
The choices made in Springfield shape everything from your child’s classroom to your paycheck to your neighborhood’s safety. We need leadership that reflects our lived experiences—not special interests.
I’m running because our communities deserve better. Because I’ve seen what’s possible when systems work for people. And because I’m not afraid to do the hard work of making it happen.
This campaign isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us stepping up, making our voices heard, and building a future we believe in—together.
➡️ Join the conversation! Drop a comment below or send me a message—what’s on YOUR mind? What do you want to see change? Let’s talk!
