Tricia Shimamura

Tricia is a mom, social worker, community activist, and proud Japanese-Puerto Rican woman running to represent District 5 (Upper East Side, Roosevelt Island, and parts of El Barrio and Midtown East) on the New York City Council. Tricia began her career as a school social worker in a New York City public school, where she saw firsthand the struggles students face trying to rise above systemic inequality. Seeking to solve the root causes of inequity and injustice, Tricia served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, where she focused on community-centered policies and constituent services. Tricia helped deliver healthcare to 9/11 first responders, fought for funding for parks and open space, and supported residents and small businesses recovering from Superstorm Sandy. Now working in higher education, Tricia advocates on behalf of international and undocumented students, and fights for investments in science and education. She is the Founder of She Will Rise, a nonprofit organization building a pipeline of young women leaders in NYC. Tricia also serves as the Vice Chair of Manhattan Community Board 8 and Co-Chair of the Parks and Waterfront Committee. When elected, Tricia will be the first woman of color to represent her community at any level of government and will be the first Japanese-American elected to public office in New York state.