Aligning private development with community needs for equity and resiliency is one of the most powerful roles of city government.
Michelle WuRead
When I first ran for City Council in 2013, I was told over and over again that I would likely lose, and for reasons beyond my control: I was too young, not born in Boston, Asian American, female.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates the perseverance needed to overcome societal biases and personal challenges in the pursuit of political office.
Michelle Wu's quote reflects the struggles she faced when she first ran for City Council, highlighting the intersectionality of age, race, and gender biases. Despite being told repeatedly that these factors would hinder her chances for success, she embodies the courage to challenge those stereotypes and advocate for representation and change in her community.
Themes
CourageRepresentationPoliticsBiasPerseverance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a women's leadership conference to inspire young female leaders.
More from Michelle Wu
All quotes →We can build wealth in all our communities, value public education, plan for our neighborhoods, invest in housing we can afford and transportation that serves everyone, truly fund public health for safety and healing, and deliver on a city Green New Deal for clean air and water, healthy homes, and the brightest future for our children.
Michelle WuRead
During natural disasters or emergencies, the most resilient communities - places that suffer the fewest casualties and rebuild more quickly - are not the wealthiest neighborhoods or ones that have spent the most on physical infrastructure, but rather the communities with the strongest social infrastructure.
Michelle WuRead
Free public transportation is the single biggest step we could take toward economic mobility, racial equity, and climate justice.
Michelle WuRead
I think if we're going to be serious as a city, as a country, about addressing climate change, addressing inequality and racial disparities, we have to start taking action at the scale that matches the urgency of the problems.
Michelle WuRead
Growing up, I never ever thought that I would or could or should be involved in politics. I didn't see anyone who looked like me in spaces of power.
Michelle WuRead
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