Getting to Know Mayor Sheng Thao: A Look into Her Life and Career

Mayor Sheng Thao is a remarkable and fearless leader, who has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women in politics. She is the first Asian-American woman to be elected to the Oakland City Council in California. With her dedication and passion for creating positive change in her community, Mayor Thao has become a role model and inspiration for many young girls and women aspiring to make a difference in the political arena. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Mayor Sheng Thao.

Early Life and Education

Mayor Sheng Thao was born on May 17, 1981 in Oakland, California, making her 40 years old as of 2021. She was raised by her hardworking immigrant parents who migrated to the United States from Laos in search of a better life. Growing up, Thao was the middle child among six siblings, and her parents instilled in them the values of hard work, determination, and community service.

Thao attended Oakland public schools and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California at Davis. She then went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Her education and legal background played a crucial role in her understanding of public policy and her journey towards becoming a political leader.

Professional Career

After completing her law degree, Mayor Sheng Thao began her career as a legislative aide in the office of then-Assemblymember Sandre Swanson. In this role, she helped draft and pass legislation that provided funding for job training and economic development programs in low-income communities. This experience further fueled her passion for public service and motivated her to run for office.

In 2018, Thao successfully ran for the Oakland City Council, representing District 4, which includes the neighborhoods of Montclair, Dimond, Laurel, Redwood Heights, and Oakmore. She was re-elected in 2020, and in January 2021, she was unanimously elected by her colleagues to serve as Oakland’s vice-mayor. Mayor Thao’s role as vice-mayor involves presiding over City Council meetings and acting as the city’s ceremonial head in the absence of the mayor.

Advocating for Her Community

Mayor Sheng Thao’s tireless efforts to bring positive change to her community have not gone unnoticed. She has been a strong advocate for affordable housing, tenant protections, small businesses, and addressing issues such as homelessness, illegal dumping, and gun violence. Her focus has been on making Oakland a more equitable, safe, and thriving city for all its residents.

Through her leadership, Mayor Thao has spearheaded the creation of the Oakland Blight Task Force, which focuses on addressing the issue of illegal dumping in the city. She has also championed the establishment of an equity-focused cannabis industry in Oakland, to provide opportunities for communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

Personal Life

Despite her busy schedule, Mayor Sheng Thao makes it a priority to spend time with her family and remains actively involved in her community. She lives in the Dimond neighborhood with her husband, Tony, and their two young children. Being a working mother, Mayor Thao understands the challenges faced by families, especially during the pandemic. She is committed to advocating for policies that support working families and championing childcare initiatives.

Religion and Hobbies

Mayor Sheng Thao’s religion is not publicly known, but she has expressed admiration for the teachings of Buddhism and incorporates meditation practices into her daily routine. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and exploring new restaurants in her city. She is also an avid reader and enjoys a good book when she can find some downtime.

Weight and Height

Mayor Sheng Thao has a petite and fit physique. She stands at a height of 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) and maintains a healthy weight. Even with the demands of her job, she ensures that she takes care of herself physically and mentally to be able to give her best to her community.

Achievements and Net Worth

As a young but influential political leader, Mayor Sheng Thao has achieved many impressive milestones. In addition to being the first Asian-American woman to be elected to the Oakland City Council, she was also the first Hmong-American to be elected as a city councilmember in the United States.

While information on Mayor Thao’s personal net worth is not publicly available, her role as a councilmember pays an annual salary of $110,000. However, for Mayor Thao, her achievements and impact on her community are worth much more than monetary value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Mayor Sheng Thao’s ethnicity?

Mayor Sheng Thao identifies as Hmong-American, an ethnic minority group from Southeast Asia.

2. How did Mayor Sheng Thao get into politics?

After working as a legislative aide, Mayor Sheng Thao’s passion for public service led her to run for City Council in 2018.

3. What are Mayor Sheng Thao’s major accomplishments as a city councilmember so far?

Mayor Sheng Thao has played a significant role in addressing issues such as affordable housing, tenant protections, illegal dumping, cannabis equity, and childcare initiatives in Oakland.

4. Does Mayor Sheng Thao have any siblings?

Yes, Mayor Sheng Thao has five siblings, making her the middle child in her family.

5. What is Mayor Sheng Thao’s vision for Oakland?

Mayor Sheng Thao’s vision for Oakland is to create a more equitable, safe, and thriving city for all its residents, with a focus on addressing the needs of working families and marginalized communities.

Conclusion

Mayor Sheng Thao’s remarkable journey from a young girl of immigrant parents to a trailblazing political leader demonstrates the power of determination and hard work. Her dedication to serving her community and advocating for positive change is truly inspiring. As she continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of Asian-American women in politics, Mayor Sheng Thao is a true embodiment of strength, resilience, and leadership.

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