By Suri Mowji, Grade 8
In light of recent protests, Object organized a workshop on race relations with Regina Jones, Mayor of East Palo Alto. As a leader in her community, she works hard to understand the challenges of the people in East Palo Alto and solve them. She spoke at the Palo Alto Protests and also helped to organize the East Palo Alto protests against the killing of George Floyd.
During the workshop, Mayor Jones explained the importance of racial equality, shared her experiences as a seasoned tech executive and community leader, and described the role that confidence plays in making a difference in the world. Mayor Jones really emphasized how important it is to educate oneself on the challenges that others face. She also said that once you are educated you must not be silent; use your voice for change!
Here are the 3 takeaways from Mayor Jones’ talk:
“Leading is not just about a degree; Leading is not just about access and wealth. In fact it is none of that at all… Leading is about creating an arc of leadership for the people that you are leading… and in order for you to create an effective arc you’ve got to understand them… you’ve got to understand all of them. ”
“Confidence is strengthened with competence.”
“Make sure your life is reflective of all of the things that are really important to you!”
Mayor Jones is a tech executive, leader, mother, and an advocate for racial inequality.