About Me
| Experience
I have extensive classroom experience, as a parent, student and teacher.
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As a parent, I have four children in PAUSD, ranging from 1st Grade to High School. I have served as: Palo Alto High School TEAM Communications VP (2023-24), JLS Connections Board President (2020-23), and Ohlone PTA President (2022-24), as well as a host of other roles (Communications, Treasurer, etc.) and as a Room Parent since 2009.
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As a student, I have seven degrees in a range of academic disciplines. I am familiar with a wide range of pedagogical methods and delights in finding creative and innovative ways to learn or teach new concepts. My passion for education is evident.
•BA in English Literature (Oxford University) (1993-96)
•MA in English Literature (Oxford University) (1996-97)
•MBA in Corporate Finance (London Business School) (2022-04)
•Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PgDL) (College Of Law, London) (1998-2002)
•Legal Practice Course (LPC) (BPP Law School, London) (2002-06)
•MSc in International Management For China (SOAS, London) (2001-02)
•PhD in Anthropology & Culture (incomplete) (SOAS, London) (2001-06)
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As a volunteer, I have taught in Palo Alto classrooms from preschool to post-graduate, from volunteering at parent participation preschool to teaching students about #MeToo. Additionally, I have taught disadvantaged youth across Africa, Asia, and in inner-city London, where I worked at a media center, teaching filmmaking to high school dropouts.
| Empathy
I seek to bring empathy, fairness, honesty and transparency to the school board.
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As a #MeToo activist, sexual assault and suicide survivor, I am deeply empathetic and all too familiar with navigating difficult, sensitive, and taboo subjects. I am an expert in bringing many diverse voices to the table, ensuring everyone is equally and fairly listened to, and in finding creative solutions that then benefit the greatest number of stakeholders.
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As a PTA President, I have advocated as a spokesperson for disenfranchised parents, students, and teachers, who came forward with a range of contentious issues, and often felt frustrated or stonewalled. I have worked tirelessly to ease tensions in difficult situations and to find acceptable compromises. I am committed to putting people first and foremost.
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And, finally, as a human being, I have devoted my life to advocating for those less fortunate than myself, from my poverty alleviation work with clients in Africa who live on less than $1 Per Day, to my #MeToo advocacy work with fellow sexual assault survivors of color, who cannot advocate for themselves, due to finance, immigration, or language.
| Engagement
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As a community resident, I am deeply embedded in Palo Alto, through various roles ranging from running a local Buy Nothing Group to serving as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.
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As a community volunteer, I have been involved with a host of activities including: beach cleaning, clothing closets, food bank distribution, holiday gift wrapping, and tree planting.​
| School Volunteering
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Ohlone PTA President (2022 - 2024)
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Room Parent in PAUSD (2009 - present)
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Girl Scout Troop Assistant Leader (2017 - 2024)
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JLS Connections Board President (2020 - 2023)
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Girl Scout Troop Cookie Manager (2018 - 2019)
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