Personal Statement

My life mission is to build an ecologically sound and equitable region and develop solid institutions that can meet this mission and be replicated worldwide. I have been blessed to live in San Francisco, a city with high social capital, a significant creative class, and a dynamic economy, all of which foster social entrepreneurship. I am equally blessed with a strong community of friends, family, and my spouse who have been fearless supporters – and leaders themselves – in social change work. My MPA from San Francisco State has further given me tools to allow me to pursue organization building.

For my MPA I chose the “urban” focus because I believe cities are, or have the potential to be, the most ecological and democratic form of human existence. Through everyday interaction, I believe urbanists are key to the future of human tolerance and environmental survival. A typical city dweller produces a fraction of the carbon emissions of their suburban counterparts. Through my career, I have founded organizations and worked on projects that aim to allow humans to tread lightly on the earth and foster diversity: Urban Ecology, City CarShare and the San Francisco Housing Action Coalition. Currently, I am the Executive Director of the local chapter of an organization with a 70-year legacy in city-building, the Urban Land Institute.

As a founding Board member of City CarShare, I had the honor of recognizing Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi with our “Partner of the Year” award. Today, City CarShare boasts 15,000 members sharing 300 cars throughout San Francisco and the East Bay. I am delighted to be member #2.

Resume