Marengo High School is a great school, offering a solid range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS)—in plain language, top-notch shop and home economics classes. But as technology advances rapidly, especially with AI changing the landscape of work, our children need even more classes that prepare them for well-paying careers that machines can’t replace or that can’t be outsourced. We must also teach skills for self-sufficiency and smart ways to reduce household costs during times of rising inflation.

That’s why I’m running for the Marengo High School board. I want to use the lessons I’ve learned over decades in my career and in life to build on the school’s strengths—especially by expanding shop and home economics programs. As a former business owner, I’ve spent years exploring creative ways to cut costs and boost efficiency. I believe that by applying this experience, we can reduce the education portion of local property taxes while still providing our children with the best possible education.

I am a dedicated advocate for working families and community progress, grounded in a lifelong commitment to public service. Born in Germany and arriving in the United States at the age of four aboard a converted troop ship, I grew up in Chicago, where I became involved in civil rights, workers’ rights, women’s equality, and environmental causes from an early age.