Curiosity, Representation, and Leadership: A Conversation with a Redmond Councilmember
What Sparked Your Interest in Public Office
I’ve always been interested in politics, housing, and how local systems work. Running for office wasn’t something I had planned. In 2014, the mayor of Redmond asked if I had ever considered it. I said no—most people don’t. He encouraged me to follow the city council and see if it sparked my interest.
At that time, only one woman served on the seven-member council. That imbalance didn’t sit right with me, especially since there were no people of color either. As I began following council meetings, I realized I could contribute meaningfully. Local politics felt like the right place to make an impact. I decided to run—and I won.
Representation matters deeply to me. I believe people should see themselves reflected in their government, and that belief continues to motivate my public service.
Being a Woman in Public Office
When I first won my election, I attended Leadership Eastside’s mayor’s lunch. There was only one female mayor there—Amy Walen. That moment struck me as concerning. Now, years later, most Eastside mayors are women. The shift has been inspiring.
More women and people of color are running and winning seats. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside remarkable female leaders. I think of Patty Murray and Chris Gregoire—women who led with strength and vision. Their success motivates me to keep pushing for progress.
Women bring their lived experiences into policymaking. For instance, I used to teach middle-school science, and that background helps me relate to educators and families. Many of my colleagues do the same, applying lessons from their own lives to serve their communities.
The Most Pressing Issue: Affordable Housing
Affordable housing remains the most critical issue facing our region. Its absence affects nearly everything—commutes, family time, and community stability. As costs rise, people move farther from jobs and spend more hours traveling. The ripple effects are enormous.
We need to build denser, well-planned urban environments. That’s the only sustainable way to create homes people can actually afford. Continued collaboration and innovative policy are essential to reach that goal.
Policy Solutions and Collaboration
As the legislative session wraps up, several bills focus on affordable housing. I’m eager to work with lawmakers on effective solutions. My focus is on collaboration—cities, counties, and the state must align their efforts.
King County intersects with many others. While borders exist on paper, housing challenges cross them easily. By combining our different experiences, we can find smarter, lasting solutions. I often remind colleagues of the proverb: “To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together.” That’s how real progress happens.
The Role of Curiosity in Policymaking
Curiosity drives my leadership. I always want to understand how people arrive at decisions and what long-term impacts those choices may have. I ask questions such as: What don’t I know yet? Who else should I talk to? What are the unintended consequences?
That mindset helps me grow as a policymaker. I’m aware of what I know—and even more aware of what I don’t. Staying curious keeps me learning, connecting, and improving how I serve my community.
Continue reading our Women in Political Leadership Series:
- Senator Yasmin Trudeau
- Representative Debra Entenman
- Seattle Deputy Mayor Kendee Yamaguchi
- Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda
- Bellevue City Councilmember Janice Zahn
Interested in learning more from women in leadership? Check out our Leadership Book List, where we have compiled 350+ books written by women in leadership.
