I’m 39 years old and have lived in Arlington Heights for 11 years with my husband and two children, ages 9 and 6. 

I’m a licensed clinical social worker and current CEO of Shelter, Inc - a local nonprofit. I have my bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology from the University of Tampa and my master’s in social work from Dominican University. 

I am running for Village Trustee because I am deeply committed to building an inclusive, thriving, and sustainable community in Arlington Heights. As a first-generation American, the daughter of immigrants, and a social worker, I bring a unique perspective that reflects the diverse experiences of our residents. My passion for serving others has been at the core of my career and volunteer work, and I am eager to bring that same dedication to the Village Board.

Arlington Heights is a wonderful place to live, and I want to ensure it continues to grow in ways that benefit all residents. My campaign focuses on fostering smart development that balances economic growth with preserving our village’s charm, supporting local businesses, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Additionally, I am committed to advocating for affordable housing options, improving access to resources for families, and prioritizing public safety while fostering a sense of unity among neighbors.

I believe the theme of my campaign, “It Takes a Village,” perfectly captures my belief that when we work together as a community, we can create meaningful change. Serving as trustee would allow me to use my experience in leadership, advocacy, and collaboration to amplify residents’ voices and make decisions that reflect our shared values and vision for Arlington Heights. This is an opportunity to give back to the village that has given so much to my family and me, and I am ready to work tirelessly to ensure our community remains strong for generations to come.

The biggest difference between me and the other candidates is my extensive experience working within complex government systems, my proven ability to create tangible solutions for underserved populations, and my deep involvement in policy development and implementation. My work on various government-appointed boards, such as the Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council and the Cook County Child Death Review Committee, has provided me with firsthand insight into navigating intricate government systems and driving meaningful change.

I have also been directly involved in building new homes in our community to support under-resourced populations, ensuring that families and individuals have access to safe and affordable housing. This hands-on experience has equipped me with the skills to identify community needs, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and deliver impactful results that benefit our village.

Furthermore, my extensive policy work has allowed me to address systemic challenges with innovative, evidence-based solutions. Whether advocating for more equitable housing policies or working to improve services for vulnerable populations, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to create and implement initiatives that enhance quality of life for residents.

These experiences uniquely position me to bring a practical, results-oriented approach to the role of Village Trustee. I understand the intricacies of government systems and how to leverage them to address local challenges effectively, and I am committed to using my expertise to build a stronger, more inclusive Arlington Heights.

Four years from now, I envision Arlington Heights as a thriving, financially stable, and inclusive community where residents feel proud to live, work, and raise their families. From a financial standpoint, I see a village that has strengthened its fiscal health through responsible budgeting and smart investments. By fostering economic growth, attracting new businesses, and ensuring transparency in financial decision-making, we can maintain a balanced budget while providing high-quality services to our residents.

In terms of development, I envision a thoughtful approach that balances economic expansion with preserving the charm and character of Arlington Heights. I want to see a village where smart growth has created vibrant spaces for businesses, affordable housing options, and infrastructure improvements that meet the needs of a growing population. New developments should align with the values of our community, enhance sustainability, and provide opportunities for all residents.

From a social standpoint, I see Arlington Heights as a leader in inclusivity and community engagement. I envision a village where residents from all walks of life feel valued and connected. Through expanded programs that support families, seniors, and underserved populations, as well as fostering cultural and recreational opportunities, we can strengthen the social fabric of our community.Overall, I see Arlington Heights as a place where residents feel empowered, engaged, and optimistic about the future—built on a foundation of financial responsibility, thoughtful development, and a commitment to inclusivity. My goal is to help lay the groundwork for this vision through collaboration, transparency, and smart decision-making.

Overall, I see Arlington Heights as a place where residents feel empowered, engaged, and optimistic about the future—built on a foundation of financial responsibility, thoughtful development, and a commitment to inclusivity. My goal is to help lay the groundwork for this vision through collaboration, transparency, and smart decision-making.

The biggest challenge facing Arlington Heights in the next year or two is addressing the growing concerns of residents around affordable housing and taxes, while balancing the pressures of growth and development. Throughout my conversations with residents, these two issues have consistently emerged as top priorities. Many families and individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to live in our community, and concerns about rising property taxes and the cost of living continue to be at the forefront of their minds.

To tackle these challenges head-on, I would advocate for smart, sustainable development that increases housing options while maintaining the character of our village. We need to explore creative solutions such as incentivizing mixed-income housing developments, supporting first-time homebuyers, and working with developers to create housing opportunities that fit the needs of our diverse community. At the same time, it’s essential to ensure that any new development is fiscally responsible, contributing to our tax base and helping to alleviate the financial burden on homeowners.

On the issue of taxes, I am committed to working towards greater fiscal transparency and accountability to ensure that tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively. I will work with village leadership to identify opportunities for cost savings, pursue grants and alternative funding sources, and advocate for policies that promote economic growth without placing additional strain on residents.

Facing these challenges requires thoughtful leadership, open communication, and collaboration with the community. By listening to residents, engaging stakeholders, and leveraging my experience in policy and advocacy, I am confident that we can find balanced solutions that ensure Arlington Heights remains an affordable and thriving place to live for all.

Arlington Heights is a wonderful place to live, and there are many things I love about our village. The diversity and sense of community here are truly special. As a first-generation American and the daughter of immigrants, I deeply appreciate how Arlington Heights brings together people from different backgrounds and experiences, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Our excellent schools are another reason I love this community. They provide outstanding educational opportunities and foster academic and personal growth for our children. As a parent, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our educators and the positive impact they have on our families. Additionally, our thriving downtown and vibrant local businesses are a cornerstone of Arlington Heights. One of my personal favorite aspects of our downtown is the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, where I am proud to be a marquee member. I love having Metropolis as part of our downtown, as it not only brings culture and entertainment to our community but also serves as a gathering place that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Whether it’s enjoying a meal at a family-owned restaurant, attending community events, or supporting local shops, our downtown fosters a unique sense of connection and pride that enhances the village's charm and economic vitality.

While there is so much to appreciate about Arlington Heights, there are also areas where we can improve. One challenge we face, not just as a village but as a society, is divisiveness. It’s easy to focus on our differences, but I believe the key to progress lies in coming together as a community to address the issues that affect us all. Whether it’s ensuring affordable housing, supporting our schools, or maintaining fiscal responsibility, we must work collaboratively to find solutions that serve everyone. By fostering open dialogue, encouraging civic engagement, and focusing on our shared goals, we can strengthen our community and make Arlington Heights an even better place to call home.

The potential relocation of the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our village. It has the potential to bring significant economic growth, increased visibility, and new opportunities for local businesses and residents. However, while this development could be a major win for Arlington Heights, it’s crucial that it is done in a fair and equitable way that benefits our village and its citizens without compromising our community’s character or financial stability.

The pros of such a development include a boost to the local economy through job creation, increased tourism, and additional revenue from visitors who will support our restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. It would also enhance Arlington Heights’ reputation as a premier destination in the region. However, we must carefully consider the cons, such as the potential strain on our infrastructure, increased traffic congestion, and the impact on property taxes and public services.

If the Bears do relocate to Arlington Heights, the village must ensure that we have the necessary infrastructure and amenities to support such a large-scale development. This includes thoughtful planning for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options to accommodate visitors while ensuring that our residents continue to enjoy the quality of life they expect. Additionally, it is imperative to negotiate agreements that prioritize fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayers are not burdened with costs associated with the development.

Ultimately, my priority is to make sure that any potential development is a true partnership between the team and our village, providing long-term benefits while maintaining the integrity and charm that make Arlington Heights such a wonderful place to live. Thoughtful planning, community input, and financial transparency will be key to ensuring that this opportunity enhances our village in a meaningful and sustainable way.

As a trustee, my role in working with the Chicago Bears’ potential relocation to Arlington Heights would be to ensure that the best interests of our residents remain the top priority throughout every stage of the process. My responsibilities would include carefully reviewing proposals, negotiating terms that protect taxpayers, and ensuring that any agreements made are fair, transparent, and beneficial to our village both in the short and long term.

I would work collaboratively with village leadership, community stakeholders, and economic development experts to evaluate the potential impacts on infrastructure, local businesses, traffic, and public services. It would also be my responsibility to advocate for a balanced approach, ensuring that while we welcome economic growth and opportunity, we also preserve the unique character and quality of life that make Arlington Heights such a desirable place to live. This means engaging in open dialogue with residents, gathering community input, and ensuring that their voices are heard in key decision-making processes.

I believe I should be a decision-maker in this process because of my extensive experience in policy development, strategic planning, and working within complex government systems. My background in collaborating with diverse stakeholders and advocating for equitable solutions gives me the skills necessary to analyze the complexities of this development and to ensure it aligns with the long-term vision of our village. Additionally, my deep commitment to community engagement and transparency will help ensure that the decisions made are inclusive and reflective of the needs of all Arlington Heights residents.

Ultimately, my goal is to approach this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a thoughtful, strategic mindset, working to create a partnership with the Bears that enhances our village while maintaining financial and community stability.

If the Chicago Bears do not relocate to Arlington Heights, I believe the property presents a unique opportunity for thoughtful, community-driven development that aligns with the needs and vision of our village. It is a prime location that could support a variety of uses to enhance economic growth, create jobs, and provide new amenities for residents while maintaining the character of our community.

I would like to see a mixed-use development that balances residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This could include affordable housing options, retail spaces that support local businesses, and entertainment venues that attract visitors and enhance the vibrancy of Arlington Heights. Additionally, incorporating green spaces, walking paths, and community gathering areas would promote a sense of belonging and support a healthy lifestyle for residents.

From an economic perspective, the property could serve as a hub for innovation and small business growth. Developing a business or technology park could attract companies that provide job opportunities and strengthen our local economy. Furthermore, ensuring that any development includes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices will be key to maintaining Arlington Heights’ commitment to responsible growth.

Most importantly, whatever the future holds for this property, I would prioritize community input to ensure that residents have a say in shaping its future. I am committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders, developers, and residents to ensure that any proposed project is financially sound, benefits the entire community, and enhances our quality of life.

Keeping property taxes flat over the next few years is a top priority, and I believe this can be achieved through smart economic growth, careful budgeting, and finding new ways to bring in revenue without putting more burden on residents.

First, we can focus on attracting new businesses and developments that generate revenue through sales tax and other fees. Encouraging smart development, especially in our downtown and commercial areas, can help bring in more funds to support village services without raising taxes.

Second, we need to review the village budget carefully to find ways to cut unnecessary costs and improve efficiency. By streamlining services and exploring partnerships with neighboring communities, we can reduce expenses while maintaining the high-quality services our residents expect.

Third, diversifying revenue sources is key. Pursuing grants, public-private partnerships, and creating more opportunities through events and tourism can bring in additional income to help cover costs without increasing property taxes.

Finally, keeping an open and transparent dialogue with residents is essential. By working together and making informed financial decisions, we can ensure Arlington Heights remains financially stable while keeping taxes manageable for homeowners.

I do not believe that crime is a major issue in Arlington Heights, but it is always important to take a proactive approach by addressing the root causes of crime and working together to ensure our village remains an equitable and safe place for all residents. Public safety is a community effort, and by fostering collaboration and engagement, we can continue to uphold the high standards that make Arlington Heights such a desirable place to live.

I have full faith in our police department, which has demonstrated strong leadership and a proven track record of keeping our community safe. Their commitment to community policing and responsiveness to residents' concerns have been instrumental in maintaining public trust and security. However, to further enhance our efforts, I would like to see more partnerships between the police department and local nonprofits, community organizations, and social service agencies. These partnerships can help address underlying issues such as mental health, youth engagement, and economic challenges that can contribute to crime in any community.

By working together—law enforcement, local organizations, and residents—we can create preventative strategies that go beyond enforcement, focusing on education, outreach, and support services. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, mental health resources, and community-building activities can help reinforce Arlington Heights as a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for everyone.

Ultimately, public safety is not just about enforcement, but about building trust, fostering connections, and ensuring that everyone in our community has the support and resources they need to thrive.

Arlington Heights has become more diverse over the years, but there is always more we can do to foster inclusivity and ensure that all residents, regardless of their background or language, feel fully welcomed and engaged in our community. Diversity is very important to me personally, as someone for whom English was not my first language. Growing up, I was part of a German cultural group where I danced and sang, and now my children continue that tradition. These cultural experiences have shown me how important it is to recognize and celebrate the many backgrounds that make up our community. Cultures and traditions are meaningful to so many of us, and Arlington Heights should continue to embrace and honor them.

One of the things I love most about our village is the ability to support local businesses that celebrate diversity, such as the Language Arts Academy, where I am currently taking Spanish classes. Businesses like these play a critical role in connecting our community and helping residents feel more included, no matter their cultural or linguistic background.

To improve communication and accessibility for non-English speaking residents, the village should expand the availability of multilingual resources, such as translated materials for village services, community programs, and public meetings. Additionally, increasing partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses can help provide language support services, cultural events, and educational opportunities, like ESL classes and cross-cultural programs.

I believe that by embracing our community's rich cultural diversity and working to remove barriers to participation, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Arlington Heights where everyone feels valued and celebrated. Recognizing and supporting our diverse backgrounds will help create a welcoming environment for current and future residents alike.