It all begins with an idea.

My whole life, I have fought for justice and equality.

I was that idealistic child who dreamed of rising up and challenging the status quo. Do you remember learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in school? I was inspired and always asked myself what I would have done during his time. I believe now is the time to become part of the solution to the challenges in our community.

When I arrived in Decoto, I felt right at home because Decoto is so much like the neighborhood where I grew up in East Houston, in the 2nd ward. I remembered having a strong, tight knit community and neighbors who would look out for each other

Our community has been neglected for years and we deserve better.

One day, my wife and I will raise our children here and send them to school in the New Haven Unified School District. I want to serve this community as a school board trustee because I believe our students and teachers deserve better classroom resources.

I believe in a future where teacher input is harnessed to get better results for our students, who are our future. As someone who has taught children, I know that teachers are strong advocates for our children and they know what students need in order learn and thrive.

Melissa is a proud Democrat and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

My name is Melissa Shuen-Mallory, I am running for New Haven Unified School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 2. As the Chair of the Union City Human Relations Commission, a member of the Policing and Community Engagement Committee and a former educator, I am a proven leader who can make real change in our community. I was inspired to run for school board recently during the New Haven Teachers’ Strike. I saw a lack of leadership on the school board and disrespect to our teachers. I am running to put our classrooms first and give teachers the resources they need to give our students the best education possible. We can do this by supporting Proposition 15. I would be the only LGBTQ+ member of the school board and I want to be there to support and advocate for our LGBTQ+ and age appropriate puberty and sex education because representation matters. I want to make sure that we have a plan to come back to schools safely after shelter in place. I want to end the school to prison pipeline and I want to give a voice to my communities of Decoto and to Fairview Park by listening to my community’s concerns on a regular basis. I want to use my experience as a commissioner to build a bridge between the city and the school district to better serve our families. I would be honored to have your support for this upcoming election in November and I would be honored to serve as your elected school board member for New Haven Unified School District in Trustee Area 2.