Having immigrated from Iran as a child in 1985, my story and my family’s story includes experiences with gender, class, and religious injustices. My unique perspective will help ensure the decisions we make at City Council provide for everyone living in our community. I have had the fortune to call Santa Cruz my home for the last two decades. Here in Santa Cruz, I am a mom, an immigrant, a wife, a neighbor, a small business owner and a social change leader. For the last 15 years, I have secured over $30 million dolars competitive grant funds to address public health and social issues in our communities including immigration rights, mental health and substance use, youth homelessness, and more. Today our City is facing a number of challenging issues that cannot be ignored. Whether it’s staying safe during a global pandemic; finding important ways to address racial inequality; economic recovery for our locally owned businesses; providing affordable housing or addressing homelessness in a sustainable manner, we stand at a crossroads unlike any time in our history. These events, while simultaneously threatening our well-being, provide never-before seen opportunities for breakthrough solutions. That’s why I’ve decided to run for Santa Cruz City Council and ask for your support. Solving these important issues will require leaders with broad perspective and experience. My life experiences as an immigrant and my career in social change have taught me the importance of community and service. While I don’t propose simple solutions to our city’s challenging problems, I know that I have the skills, pragmatic mind, and compassionate heart to contribute to our city. I will work to unite, activate and uplift our community so that we may build a future in which all Santa Cruz residents live with equity and dignity.
