When asked what inspires her to take on the responsibility of school board member, in addition to her full-time job and two school-aged children, Emily Murase credits her father, who was born to Japanese immigrants on a farm in the Central Valley during the Depression. Though he grew up literally “dirt poor,” Emily’s father, Kenji, desperately wanted to go to college. Despite family hardship and his imprisonment in internment camps during WWII, Kenji was able to attend college with the help of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s collaboration with college deans across the country. He completed his Ph.D., moved to San Francisco, and became a professor of social work at San Francisco State University. Emily’s passion for education and committment to the city of San Francisco runs in her blood, and in 2015 she was elected President of the San Francisco school board. Emily is the first Japanese-American to serve on the board in its 160+ year history.

In her professional capacity, Emily serves as Executive Director of the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, where she oversees a $4 million budget and a professional staff of 6 to promote the human rights of the women and girls of San Francisco. In partnership with community-based service provid-ers and law enforcement agencies, Emily’s work has contributed to the elimina-tion of domestic violence homicides in San Francisco for the first time in over a decade. Previously, she served in the first Clinton White House as Director for

International Economic Affairs (1993-1994), after working for AT&T Japan in Tokyo, and later worked in the International Bureau of the Federal Com-

munications Commission.

A graduate of San Francisco public schools herself, Emily and husband Neal Taniguchi have two daughters in public school. As a

school board member, Emily has focused her efforts on responding to the concerns of families on an individual basis, at the same time collaborating with her fellow school board members on such initiatives as anti-bullying, reforming the school meals program, supporting foreign language and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs, and the new Common Core Standards.

Emily Murase

San Francisco School Board President

Emerge California2003

emerge elected

To learn more about Emily Murase, go to:www.emilymurase.com

“ In how many countries can you go from being the son

of immigrant sharecroppers to a college professor? I believe that

every signle one of my 57,000 students in our public schools

system deserves the same opportunities my father had.”

Val Hoyle is a wife, mother, community member and the House Majority Leader for the State of Oregon. In all of these roles, Val is fighting for middle class families and a better future for Oregon.

In 2009, Val was first appointed to serve House District 14, which includes Junction City, Cheshire, parts of Santa Clara, Bethel and the Churchill neighbor-hood of West Eugene. Ever since, she has been working tirelessly to stand up for her constituents and fight for quality public schools, family wage jobs and affordable and accessible healthcare for all Oregonians.

Val was born at Travis Air Force Base in California, grew up in New England and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA. She and her family moved to Oregon 13 years ago because of the unparalleled quality of life and the reputation of the public education system.

She has over 25 years successful business experience in domestic and international sales, wholesale distribution and retail management in the outdoor sporting goods industry. Val was a member and chair person of the Export Coun-cil of Oregon (the federal advisory board for small business on international trade for Oregon and Southwest Washington), member of the Outdoor Industry Wom-en’s Coalition, former McCornack Elementary School PTO leadership member and Kidsports coach. She was also one of the founding members of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade Roundtable.

When she’s not working, Val enjoys spending time with her family, reading and watching the Red Sox beat the Yankees. She lives in West Eugene with her husband Stephen and two dogs Ronan and Sasha, while her children Deirdre and Aidan are attending college in Oregon.

Val Hoyle

Oregon State House, District 14 House Majority Leader

Emerge Oregon2009

emerge elected

To learn more about Val Hoyle, go to:www.valhoyle.com

“ I had no doubt in my mind that we would find a way to prioritize Oregon’s children and turn the tide for school

funding in our state.”

Emerge New Mexico alumna Debra Haaland is making history in New Mexico and blazing a trail for Native Americans in her state. In 2014, Debra became the first Native American on the statewide gubernatorial ticket. Her campaign with state Attorney General Gary King, received endorsements by over a dozen Pueblo tribes, including the 10 Southern Pueblo Governors and All Pueblo Council of Governors. This year, she has her sights set on the state’s party chairship, and if elected, will be the first Native American to serve as chair of a major party in New Mexico.

Debra is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and currently works as Tribal Administrator at the Pueblo of San Felipe. She is a successful Democratic organizer, and worked to get out the vote among Native American communities as the State Native American Vote Director for Organizing for America during President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. Debra’s successful initiatives led to a 60% voter turnout in the Pueblos and in the Apache and Navajo Nations.

Debra is also the first female Chair of the Laguna Development Corporation (LDC) Board of Directors—the second largest gaming enterprise in New Mexico. She currently serves as Chairwoman of the Native American Democratic Caucus and is a member of the Democratic Party of New Mexico’s State Platform and Resolutions Committee.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico in 1994 with a B.A. in English/Professional Writing, Debra went on to earn her J.D. from

the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2006. In her spare time, Debra enjoys running marathons and cooking. Debra is a single mother and lives in Albequerque with her daughter.

Debra Haaland

Candidate for Democratic Party State Chair

Emerge New Mexico2007

alumnae profile

To learn more about Emerge America, go to:www.emergeamerica.org

“As Democrats, we must solidify our Party in 2015, so that in 2016 we can advocate effectively for

Early Childhood Education, fight for our teachers and workers,

and support our candidates in all 33 counties.”

Astrid Silva

Immigration Activist

Emerge Nevada2012

alumnae profileFor most of her life, Astrid Silva lived in the shadows as one of the millions of

immigrants living in the United States without documentation.

That began to change several years ago when Astrid was unable to attend her grandmother’s funeral in Mexico for fear of being caught by authorities. Astrid, a Las Vegas resident, made the decision to step out into the open and become an advocate for immigration reform.

On November 20, 2014, the national spotlight shone bright-ly on Astrid when President Barack Obama singled her out as he announced a new plan for executive action to reform the country’s immigration system.

“Are we a nation that kicks out a striving, hopeful immigrant like Astrid?” Obama asked. “Or are we a nation that finds a way to welcome her in?”

Astrid came to America with her family when she was 4 years old, carrying just her doll and a cross. She didn’t speak English when she started school and learned the language by reading newspapers and watching television. She went on to become a top student.

Astrid faced many of the same challenges undocumented immigrants struggle with regularly — she couldn’t get a driver’s license, travel freely or attend college out of state. After graduating high school, she began taking classes at the College of Southern Nevada before moving on to UNLV. She became a leading voice for

immigration reform in Las Vegas, especially for the group of young adults and teenagers, known as “DREAMers,” who were brought into the country

illegally as minors.

Astrid’s activism led to a relationship with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has cited her story frequently when pushing for immigration re-

form. Now an organizer with the Progressive Alliance of Nevada, Astrid was recognized earlier this year for her work with a national honor from the American

Immigration Council.

To learn more about Emerge America, go to:www.emergeamerica.org

“Now we don’t have to be afraid. Our stories are reaching people

and it’s proof that we’ve worked this hard and

they have to listen to us.”

“It’s time to reject that crime is an urban tax we must pay for living in Oakland...We must expand community policing so that we connect our police with our neighborhoods in a way that prevents crime before it happens.”

Born and raised in District 4 in Oakland, Libby spent her youth volunteering, through countless Girl Scout projects, at Children’s Fairyland, and as a weekly Ranger Station Aide at Joaquin Miller Park.

While an attorney in her late 20s, she co-founded the non-profit Oakland Cares, which organized and implemented hundreds of volunteer community improvement projects across the city. Through her non-profit, she found her calling building community

After leaving her law firm, Libby served as Chief of Staff to Council President Ignacio De La Fuente, and then as a top aide to Mayor Jerry Brown. Libby successfully led com-munity input and the drafting of the Measure Y Violence Prevention Plan. Later, as Public Affairs Director for the Port of Oakland, she helped bring millions in state and federal funding to her hometown.

Among her proudest accomplishments in her time working under May-or Brown, Council President De La Fuente, and the Port have been building waterfront parks, championing transit-oriented development, re-landscaping Park Boulevard, reducing Port pollution, banning Wal-Mart superstores, and building affordable housing.

Since her elections to the Oakland city council in 2010, Libby has worked tirelessly to build a safer city, increase government transparency and effi-

ciency, empower residents, and strengthen our neighborhoods.

Now as Oakland mayor, Libby will be hiring not only additional police officers but also instituting better policing practices. In addition,

Libby plans to prevent truancy in school, increase graduation rates, and forge pathways to jobs.

Libby Schaaf

Oakland Mayor

Emerge California2009

emerge elected

To learn more about Libby Schaaf, go to:www.libbyformayor.com

“We must address the root causes of crime,

starting with better schools, wages, and

jobs.”

JessicaFitzwater

Frederick City Council

Emerge Maryland2013

emerge electedFrom the classroom to the conference room, Jessica Fitzwater has fought

passionately for students, and her relentless efforts have earned her the title of NEA Political Activist of the Year in 2014. Originally from Smithsburg, MD, Jessica teach-es music at Oakdale Elementary School in Frederick County. A product of public schools, she is a firm believer that every child has the right to a high quality edu-ca-tion. Through her work in the classroom, she inspires young children to express themselves, become risk-takers, and work cooperatively with one another.

As an education activist, Jessica has served on the Board of Directors of the Frederick County Teachers Association, the Maryland State Education Association Legislative Committee, and the NRA Resolutions Com-mittee. In 2012 Jessica was named one of the Frederick News Post’s 13 Young Profes-sionals Un-der 30 and an MSEA Emerging Leader for her advocacy efforts within the field. For the past four years she has served as an elected delegate to the MSEA and NEA Representative Assemblies, where edu-cators gather to discuss critical issues revolving around education reform and to advocate for students, schools, and teachers.

As a graduate of Emerge Maryland, a prestigious political leadership program for Democratic women, Jessica is engaged with the best and brightest of Mary-land’s political leaders. Frederick County and the state of Maryland are lacking in the number of women elected to office, and she believes that women and young families need a representative at the county level. Jessica won her race for Frederick

County Council and will work to fulfill her platform by providing greater funding for public education.

To learn more about Jessica Fitzwater, go to:www.jessicafitzwater.com

“I believe too strongly in public education and

the future of our students to see teachers and

educators sitting on the sidelines.”

La Tonya Johnson, Emerge Wisconsin Class of 2012, won her race for re-elec-tion for the 17th District seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly. La Tonya is the mother of a beautiful 15 year old daughter named Sydney, owner of an In-Home Licensed child-care center, Executive Board member for AFSCME District Council 48, President of AFSCME Local 502 Milwaukee Child Care Providers Together, and Chair of AFSCME’s Women Committee. La Tonya has worked as a Financial Employment Planner for Wisconsin Shares, served as a committee member for the Special Committee on Public Assistance Program Integrity and the drafting committee for the Wisconsin Shares Subsidy Policy Guide.

La Tonya has received the endorsement of UAW, Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter, Wisconsin AFL-CIO, League of Conservation Voters, Fair Wis-consin and Planned Parent-hood Advocates of Wisconsin.

Rep. Johnson has lived in Milwaukee for 28 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Tennessee State University, and is the former owner and operator of Annointed Child Care Service.

In the Assembly, Rep. Johnson serves on the Consumer Protection, Children & Families, Criminal Justice, and Urban Education committees.

La Tonya is a fearless leader, a dedicated friend of Labor, advocate for children, working and low income families but most important, she’s the State Assembly-woman the people of the 17th District deserve.

“ I was so nervous at freshman (legislator)

orientation until I looked around the room and saw four of my Emerge sisters

surrounding me at the table.”La TonyaJohnson

Wisconsin State Assembly,District 17

Emerge Wisconsin2012

emerge elected

To learn more about La Tonya Johnson, go to:www.legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/johnson

Rita Smart was raised on a dairy, tobacco and general agriculture farm in Carlisle in Nicholas County. After graduating from Nicholas County High School, Rita earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a Masters of Vocational Education from the University of Kentucky.

For 35 years, Rita served as a County Extension agent for UK’s Cooperative Extension Service overseeing educational programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Com-munity and Economic Development.

She interacted with state and federal governments on procuring grants and administering programs, served on the Department of Agriculture’s task force to address farm families in transition and helped organize the state conference on women in agriculture.

Rita was the City of Richmond’s Main Street Coordinator; then won a seat on the Richmond City Council where she also served as Mayor Pro Tem.

In 2010, Rita was elected state representative for Kentucky’s House District 81. Rita is currently the chair of the Education Accountability and Assessment Review Committee, as well as the Budget Subcommittee on General Govern-ment, Finance, and Public Protection . She also serves as a member of these House committees: Agriculture and Small Business; Appropriations and Rev-enue; BR Sub. on Postsecondary Education; Education; Local Government; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety.

Her efforts have earned her recognition from Leadership Madison County, Charter Class RJ Reynolds (Leadership Award – Communicator of the Year), Madison County Toastmasters and Emerge America (Rising Star Award).

Rita Smart

Kentucky State Assembly, District 81

Emerge Kentucky2010

emerge elected

To learn more about Rita Smart, go to:www.lsbarrel.com

Roxanne“Rocky”Lara

Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, NM-02

Emerge New Mexico2007

alumnae profileFormer Eddy County Commission Chairwoman Roxanne “Rocky” Lara believes

that there is strength in numbers and put that belief into action by forming coalitions to address issues in her community. During her time on the Commission, Eddy County enjoyed one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation and ended each fiscal year with a surplus. Rocky served as Secretary for the national Energy Communities Alliance and as a representative on the Eddy County-Lea County Energy Alliance.

A long-time community leader, Rocky served the Mayor of Carlsbad as the Co-Chairman of his Long-Range Planning Committee and is a current member of his Nuclear Task Force. Rocky has served as Past Chairman of the Carlsbad Cham-ber of Commerce and Past Chairman of the Eddy County DWI Council in addition to many boards and committees. Regionally, Rocky has served with the Board of Directors for the Southeast Community Action Corporation, addressing HeadStart and senior programs needs in five counties. She also represents New Mexico as the state’s delegate to Vision 2020, an initiative working for full women’s equality by the end of the decade.

Rocky has been recognized at national, state and local levels for her work, including receiving Emerge America’s 2011 Trailblazer Award and recognition by DCCC’s Red to Blue List and 2013 “40 Under 40” in New Mexico. Rocky founded Lara Law Firm and has a history of representing children, particularly in abuse and neglect situations.

While Rocky did not win her congressional race this year, she demonstrated bravery and passion by challenging an entrenched Republican incumbent. She is well-positioned for a successful run in 2016, and continues to be a leader in her community.

To learn more about Rocky Lara, go to:www.larafornm.com

Daneya Esgar

Colorado State House, District 46

Emerge Colorado2013

emerge electedRecently elected assemblywoman, Daneya Esgar, has worked her entire career

to better her hometown of Pueblo, Colorado. A graduate of Pueblo City Schools, Daneya’s first task was to improve Pueblo’s local news sources. While working as a news producer, Daneya began assisting students from impoverished neighbor-hoods who were hoping to attend college.

Daneya is always prepared to speak out against injustice in order to better the lives of citizens: “I try hard not to be con-frontational. I believe in talking things through. But if there is something wrong, damn right I’m going to speak out.” Her strong voice has made her a well-known asset to grassroots campaigns and organizations advocating for equality, education, justice and poverty.

Now elected to serve the Colorado State House, Daneya will utilize her passion and experience to advocate even more for her community. Her leadership at the state level is crucial for Pueblo, as northern Colorado communities seek to deprive Pueblo of everything from the state fair to university funding. As a proven champion for her city, Daneya plans to bring more jobs, better education, and state policies that work for her city’s families.

To learn more about Daneya Esgar, go to:www.daneyaesgar.com

“Change is only made when a community decides they

are powerful together.”

KiahMorris

Vermont State House, Bennington District 2-2

Emerge Vermont2014

emerge electedFor 38-year-old Bennington resident Kiah Morris, as a wife, mother and aunt,

fighting for the voices of others is not simply a pastime or part-time passion; for her, they are a way of life. As a recently-elected state representative for Vermont, Kiah is the first African-American woman elected to the Vermont House in over 25 years. She aims to introduce legislative reforms that focus on the development and reten-tion of Bennington’s most vital resource: its residents.

Since meeting her husband James and moving to Bennington, Kiah has quickly come to know and love the Green Mountains, warm-hearted residents and small-town charm of the place she now calls “home.” She began her relationship with Bennington as a hotline volunteer for the Project Against Violent Encounters (PAVE) and eventually became a member of their team as a Domestic Violence Advocate housed at the Department for Children and Families.

Kiah was also the Community Health Improvement Specialist for Southwestern Vermont Health Care managing their wellness community health outreach efforts. While there, she helped to increase visibility for the health care system, collabora-tion amongst agencies and engagement in the region.

Kiah serves as the director of the Alliance for Community Transformations, a community-based, public health coalition. In this role she has brought over $225,000 in funds to the region to provide needed programs and initiatives in the including establishing the town’s first smoking ordinance for parks; earning of Healthy Retailer designation for the Elm Street Market, establishment of the Ver-mont State “Youth Appreciation Day,” as well as a “Recovery Day” in Bennington, Manchester and Arlington.

She is the former Vice President of the Bennington Coalition for the Homeless. Currently, she is a member of the Bennington County Prescription Drug Task Force and is a long-standing Policy Council member for Bennington County Head

Start. Additional volunteer work includes her work as Chair of the Bennington Recreation Center Task Force to expand the role and physical spaces of

the center which also led to the development of efforts to establish a teen center in Bennington.

In April 2013, Kiah was selected as a Women’s Leadership Fellow (Women’s Executive Leadership Program) – one of 12 women chosen na-

tionally “who will have an impact on the nation” by the Impact Center, a Washing-ton DC-based leadership development organization.

To learn more about Kiah Morris, go to:www.facebook.com/kiahmorrisvt

LoriDroste

Berkeley City Council

Emerge California2013

emerge electedLori Droste won her 2014 city council race by 16 votes in a competitive ranked-

choice election. Lori will be the first openly gay woman to serve on the council, rep-resenting Berkeley’s District 8.

As chair of the Commission on the Status of Women in Berkeley in 2012, Lori was nom-inated to serve on Berkeley’s anti-trafficking subcommittee. Lori has formed a partnership with the Mills College Public Policy Program to analyze various issues within Berkeley and present clear policy recommendations based on sound evaluative criteria, including a model anti-traf-ficking program distinguished by clearly identifiable policy goals.

Lori has broad experience in public service having spent years as a public high school teacher and an educator for homeless individuals within Alameda County. While acquiring her master’s degree in public policy, Lori worked with business owners and city officials to improve parking efficiency, and pedestrian and bicy-cling infrastructure in commercial districts. She also assisted local transportation executives in improving their methodological approach for studying women’s under-representation in the transportation services industry.

Lori is a proud graduate of Emerge California, and after taking a Women in Poli-tics class, Lori says she felt obligated to become involved in politics. She has been instrumental in addressing the rise in sexual assaults, creating effective anti-traffick-ing policies, and advocating for the testing of rape kits. Lori has recently collaborat-ed with UC students and representatives, the police department, the Mills policy program, and city staff to analyze and propose specific policy interventions to stem the increase in sexual assaults both on campus and in the city.

To learn more about Lori Droste, go to:www.loridroste.com

“We need to involve more women in the political

process to ensure everyone’s voices are heard.”

Born and raised in District 5, London Breed has dedicated her career to improving her community. Her firsthand experience in city government, combined with her history in and knowledge of District 5, its residents and small businesses, make London Breed an effective advocate for her district. In 2015, London was elected President of the Board of Supervisors, becoming the first African-American woman to serve as President of the Board in over twenty-five years.

Raised by her grandmother in public housing in the Fillmore district, London graduated with honors from Galileo High School. She attended the University of Califor-nia, Davis, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science-Public Service and a minor in African American Studies. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco in 2014.

As the Executive Director of the African American Art & Culture Complex, located in the Western Addition, for 10 years, London transformed the struggling center, which was on the verge of closing and in desperate need of innovation, change, and guidance. Under her leadership, the expanded and renovated center is now economically stable, providing after school arts and cultural pro-

grams for youth and seniors. London raised over $2.5 million to renovate the building, secured funding to build a recording studio, and transformed

the organization into an independent non-profit.

London is the designee for California Attorney General Kamala Harris to the San Francisco Democratic Central County Committee and is an

elected member of the California State Democratic Central Committee where she served as the Legislative and Policy Issues Chair for the Women’s

Caucus. In 2008, London was elected as an Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

London Breed

San Francisco Board of Supervisors President

Emerge California2008

emerge elected

To learn more about London Breed, go to:www.londonbreed.org

“Even though we were poor, we had a community that worked together.

When somebody didn’t have something, somebody else helped

them. That type of perspective of taking the selfishness out of our

decisions in the political arena—I’m hoping that that will help people to

support the kinds of policies I want to see pushed through City Hall. ”

SaraGideon

Maine State House, District 106

Emerge Maine2012

emerge electedSara Gideon will begin serving her second term in the Maine House of Repre-

sentatives this year, and was recently elected Assistant Majority Leader. She is a past member of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, where she worked to lower energy costs, encourage increased en-ergy efficiency and promote clean and renewable energy to capitalize on Maine’s natural resources and build a clean-energy economy.

In 2009, Sara was elected to the Freeport Town Council, where she represents the Freeport Village district as well as downtown businesses. She was re-elected in 2010, and currently serves as Vice Chairwoman of the Council. Sara serves on the Board of Freeport Community Services, a private, non-profit organization dedicat-ed to providing food, clothing and other benefits to people in need in the Towns of Freeport and Pownal. Sara has worked to raise money to support the construction and operation of the Freeport Community Center, a unique public space available to all members of the community. Sara’s commitment to public and volunteer ser-vice at the local community level has given her a deep appreciation for how deci-sions made in Augusta effect people and businesses in Freeport and Pownal.

Sara has also served on the Board of the Freeport Economic Development Corporation, where she worked to better understand the needs of local businesses and to encourage a positive, community-based approach to economic devel-opment. Working with a diverse group of citizens and business leaders, Sara was instrumental in creating new playing fields for area residents and children, as well as new hiking and cross-country skiing trails.

Sara graduated from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she also worked as an intern for U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell, Democrat of Rhode Island. She is a regular classroom volunteer in the RSU 5 schools, where she also serves meals in the before-school breakfast program and coaches her son’s Odyssey of the Mind team.

To learn more about Sara Gideon, go to:www.maine.gov/legis/housedems/gideons/index.html