The UW PhD Candidate in Pharmacology and UAW 4121 leader will run in District 4
Emily Myers, a scientist and labor leader, announced she will run for Seattle City Council in District 4. District 4 encompasses Seattle’s Eastlake, Ravenna, Sandpoint, Wallingford, and University District neighborhoods. Incumbent Councilmember Rob Johnson has announced he will not seek re-election.
“Seattle’s City Council needs leaders focused on data driven solutions who will tackle our city’s toughest challenges with research and collaboration,” said Myers. “My career has focused on testing complex theories, challenging hypotheses, working in teams, and using research and evidence to solve difficult problems. As a City Councilmember, I’ll bring a scientist’s approach—evidence-backed and collaborative decision making—to implement policies that make a real difference in the lives of Seattleites.”
Myers is a graduate student researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Washington where she investigates Parkinson’s disease and is a mentor to women in science and STEM. She helped found and lead the Seattle chapter of 500 Women Scientists, an organization building trusted scientific voices to reach the public and breaking down barriers for those traditionally marginalized in STEM fields. She also is co-founder of WA Science Policy Network, a statewide coalition of graduate and professional student science advocacy organizations that utilize science to advocate for policy around Washington State.
“There’s no one solution to problems arising from substance abuse and mental health, but implementing smart policies like community-based health programs and low barrier, supportive housing will lead to measurable improvements for Seattle’s vulnerable populations. With safe and healthy communities, we can all thrive,” said Myers.
Growing up experiencing housing insecurity and now as a renter in the University District, Myers has witnessed the impacts of rising costs of living firsthand. While nearly half of Seattleites rent, she would be only the second renter on the City Council. Myers hopes to build more affordable housing and reform city zoning to promote economic diversity and transit accessibility.
Myers is an Executive Board Member with UAW4121 and a delegate to the King County Labor Council. As an organizer with UAW4121, the union of over 5,500 academic student employees and postdoctoral researchers, she has fought for higher wages along with safer and more equitable workplaces. Committed to expanding access to childcare and affordable education, Myers seeks to close the opportunity gap, build careers, and expand union-protections for all workers.
An activist and leading voice with the #MeTooSTEM movement, Myers has worked on campus and throughout the city to advance equity and rights in the workplace, including speaking at rallies in opposition to now-Justice Brett Kavanaugh and at the upcoming 2019 Womxn’s March.
On the City Council, she will use her experience as a labor organizer and activist to challenge systemic injustices by building coalitions and movements with communities of color, immigrant rights groups, the LGBTQIA community, disability rights groups, and other organizations fighting for the rights of minoritized people.
“By collaborating, exploring new ideas, implementing solutions backed by concrete evidence, and centering our policies on human rights, we can create a Seattle where everyone can succeed,” said Myers. “The issues facing Seattle are incredibly difficult, but Seattle is also home to some of the world’s most innovative thinkers. It’s time to utilize the innovation and spirit of our city to tackle tough issues with a fresh, new approach.”
Learn more at emilyforseattle.com.
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