Roles: MA State Representative, Cambridge City Council
Tell us a little about where you grew up?
I grew up in Cambridge public housing, as did both of my parents. Growing up in public housing is where I learned the value and importance of community.
How did that experience shape you as a person/how did that impact the path you followed in life?
Living in public housing gave me the gift of being a part of a community of caregivers who looked out for one another. It’s also where I saw firsthand the injustice and cruelty of struggling to meet your basic needs in spite of working hard.
Why is affordable housing important now?
While I was grateful that neighbors would share loaves of bread, I also watched my family work full-time and still not always have the resources to buy bread. These experiences and observations have had a profound impact on my legislative advocacy and the values that I prioritize in my legislative work.
“Growing up in public housing is where I learned the value and importance of community.”
