In 2013, six years after moving to Azusa, I had a dream: open a coffee shop that would serve as a safe and welcoming space for the people of Azusa. I knew of great restaurants and businesses in the city, but it was also clear Azusa had untapped potential.
What I expected to be a simple endeavor ended up requiring the collective efforts of an entire community for this dream to be made a reality. Mantra poured its first cup of coffee in 2015 and still serves the Azusa community today. Since the founding, Mantra functions as a business that gives away 51% of its profits to local and global community development projects.
For nine years before opening Mantra, I lived and worked alongside students at Azusa Pacific University as a Residence Director.
My job as a Residence Director and the work I do with Mantra both hinge upon creating spaces that allow people to listen to themselves and others, develop ideas, and execute them meaningfully.
In early 2019 another dream surfaced that I could not ignore. Inspired after watching the political documentary Knock Down the House, I wondered about a government that genuinely listens to its citizens and represents them well. Is this possible? I believe it is.
Many politicians in Azusa have devoted themselves to the city’s operations with great care. I want to join in that tradition as Mayor and listen to the many voices who are ready for more opportunities and resources here in our Canyon City.
I ask for your vote in the hope that together we can work to illuminate Azusa’s rich, vibrant character and to realize the hopes and dreams we have for ourselves and one another.
