It’s the era of women running for office and adopting leadership roles in their community — Marin is no exception. We spoke with a handful of women who are running for the first time for their respective public offices, finding their own niches of positive change around the county. Keep reading to see what they had to say.
Feature photo: Courtesy of Cedric Letsch on Unsplash
Heather McPhail Sridharan
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I live in Kentfield, and we have been here for almost 15 years. I was born in Marin General Hospital and grew up in San Rafael.
What are you running for and how did you get to that point?
I am in the November runoff election for District 2, Marin County Supervisor (which covers Larkspur, Gerstle Park, Bret Harte, Fairfax, San Anselmo, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Greenbrae, and Kentfield). There were four of us running in the March primary, and I was one of the top two vote-getters so now I advance to the runoff in the November general election.
As a 4th generation Marin native and business owner who has served in local leadership since I was a teenager, I care deeply about our community. My family has strong local roots and has been a part of the local business community for over 100 years. Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors of McPhail Fuel, an independent business which is family-owned since inception and rigorously committed to strengthening the communities in Marin and the North Bay since 1884.
I bring 25 plus years of successful corporate experience and 35 plus years of public service leadership from being elected Student Body President of Marin Catholic, to President of Graduate Students at Oxford University, to where I most recently served as President of the Kentfield School Board and balanced our $20 million plus budget over nine years.
Apart from the KSD Board, I served as Chair of the Kentfield Safe Routes to School Program; and currently serve as President of the Kentfield-Greenbrae Historical Society; Representative to the Citizens Oversight Committee of the Transportation Authority of Marin; and Member of the Community Advisory Group for the Project Homekey initiative at 1251 So Eliseo in Larkspur.
What positive changes are you looking to implement?
I am running for Supervisor to ensure we retain what makes Marin unique while addressing the important challenges we face today, including: affordable housing, especially for our workforce and older adults; climate change strategies, particularly for wildfires, flood control, sustainable transportation, and sea level rise; fiscal responsibility and accountability so we don’t waste tax dollars; and responsive community engagement.
Marin is at an inflection point. While challenges like housing affordability, climate change, homelessness, and traffic exist, I am optimistic that under the right leadership we can adapt to a changing landscape and create a vibrant future ahead.
And you’re running at a time when we’re seeing a big shift in the political atmosphere, with women running in politics and being involved more. How has that played a role in your campaign and your priorities?
I feel like I’m part of the pink wave sweeping our country right now. With the announcement of Kamala Harris on the presidential ticket, women are very motivated to turn out and vote for women up and down the ballot. When I go door knocking, I feel this new energy and momentum among women that wasn’t in play before Harris entered the race.
I feel proud to have the endorsement from the Marin Women’s Political Action Committee, Planned Parenthood, and am a Mom’s Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate. I am predicting that women will turn out in record numbers to vote in November, not just nationally, but in Marin as well. So much is at stake right now. Not just fundamental reproductive rights, but also our democracy.
If you could sum up your goals and your priorities into what you have hoped for in one sentence, what would it be?
I love Marin. I was born here, raised my family of four kids in the Ross Valley, and I intend to ensure that Marin remains a special place.
Maureen “Mo” de Nieva-Marsh
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I live in San Rafael, California, and for the majority of my time living in Marin County for the last 20 years, it’s been in different parts of San Rafael. I proudly live in the same neighborhood as Laurel Elementary School and Davidson Middle School.
What are you running for and why?
For over 20 years, San Rafael and Marin County have been my cherished home, where I have dedicated myself to uplifting the voices of our youth and underrepresented communities through volunteerism and my work with government agencies and nonprofits. Since October 2023, I have had the honor of serving as an appointed Trustee on the SRCS Board of Education and I am now excited to run for my first full term as a Trustee in District 3 in November 2024.
I am a proud daughter of Filipino immigrants. In the 1980’s, my parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines – my mother joining the U.S. Army and my father working as an overseas laborer, often apart from my mother. I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and later raised with my siblings in San Jose, California by my grandparents, who had previously immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970’s. My parents completed their pathways to citizenry and reunited with us all in the late 1980’s, where they both pursued training and education, leading to successful nursing careers.
Because of the untraditional nature of my childhood, my parents and grandparents (my Lolo and Lola) held very formative roles in my upbringing. My Lolo, for his part, was the very first person on his island in the province of Guimaras to graduate high school, going on to set new expectations for his community by graduating college and succeeding in business. Lolo used to tell my siblings that the world can be difficult and present many challenges, but “the one thing it cannot take away from you is your education”. It’s something I took to heart as a child, and still very much believe to this day.
In 2003, I graduated from Santa Teresa High School in South San Jose and moved to Marin County to begin my undergraduate degree at Dominican University of California. A proud Penguin, I graduated undergrad in 2007 and received by MBA from Dominican in 2019. My husband Donald and I married in 2016, and we one day hope to be able to raise a family in this very community.
Professionally, my nonprofit and government career has been fueled by a commitment to foster trust and collaboration within our community. I pride myself as an effective network weaver and dot-connector and aim to inform decisions defined by the perspectives of the people my work impacts. In my professional successes, I also acknowledge my own personal experiences with loss and trauma, housing instability, and periods of reliance on public assistance. This life experience gives me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many in our community and is something I will never forget.
Should I have the privilege of being elected, I will continue to champion the vital services our schools provide and work to provide academic opportunities that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of everyone within our educational community. Our core SRCS District values of equity, community, and joy will guide my efforts to build meaningful partnerships with families, teachers, and students – especially those who have been historically marginalized.
What positive changes are you looking to implement?
I recognize I am one of five voices and perspectives on the school board. I would be proud to continue to work in partnership with the entire board and SRCS staff. If elected, the first focus I want to strengthen is centering and creating more opportunities to uplift student voices in this school board space. The second is about accessibility of information and language so they can feel bolstered to participate. And I mean community members and families that were English is not their first language, so language justice lens and then the third is not every school board is the same.
So some school boards actually receive a stipend. For example, Novato Unified receives a stipend of $200 a month for participation on their school board. It varies, but in all of our school districts in Marin, not every school board receives a stipend. Now, I know to the average person, $200 doesn’t seem like much a month, but when you think about the social capital and time and the investment, we read these board packets, we have closed session that’s an hour, plus open session that could be two to three hours, plus we sit on one to two committees, plus we visit all 12 schools, plus we go to other events, plus we have to have a weekly meeting like it adds up. And if you’re a community member who’s maybe working two, three part time jobs, or you’re a single parent, or you’re a young professional, or college student, that could be childcare, that could be a meal for your family, that could be gas money.
If we’re really making decisions about students, they need to be part of that whole experience in a different way, and I’d like to shepherd that, especially with my background in youth development, I want to be able to be more of an active participant. We have different commissions and committees or as School Board members, some of them include partnership of young people. I want to make sure that those two trustees also receive mentorship, and I want to be that conduit to create, not only just a training, but a process for us to really welcome them, to say you’re not just here to give your student reports, you’re here to help shape policy.
And also, specifically, since we’re a bilingual forward district, encourage those where English is not their first language to know that there’s a place and space for them too. My Spanish is not great, but I want to make sure that I practice it as much as possible. My leadership style is centered around moving at the speed of trust, and trust takes time, and sometimes you have to just show up over and over again. So number one, strengthening student voice, expression and policy change in a way that is supporting their leadership, right? They’re the experts. They’re the ones who are doing the work, but to really unpack that.
The second part is why let’s have more people run for office, but how to unpack and make it accessible? So I want to do an education tour of breaking down and community language. This is what a school board member does. This is how you can participate. This is where your taxes go, because that information isn’t out there. But you know, it could be more approachable and have more of a community lens, recognizing that we have a large newcomer population, and specifically in San Rafael city schools, a lot of them Spanish is not even their first language, it’s indigenous languages, and recognizing that demographic and how to bolster them with community resources.
What specific experiences do you feel have equipped you for this role?
I think the big thing was that I was a youth advocate since I was a teenager, that if you’re feeling that there’s an injustice that’s happening, how are you able to amplify that voice, if you’re not familiar with that process? So I’m very thankful for youth development programs like Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) that was originally a nonprofit that was started right here in the heart of Marin and now as a statewide organization. How wonderful is that? But it gave me a space to safely practice this muscle of facilitation, public speaking, legislation, writing amongst my peers, especially young people of color, who are usually marginalized. What was wonderful about organizations like YLI is that they really didn’t look at the most vocal young person or like as a leader. It’s like they’re all different types of leaders.
So it’s really prepared me in making decisions for children and families and educators and staff, having that lived experience of doing policy change, but then also my education, having my degree in political science and then going back to school for my MBA at Dominican University of California has helped to support it — additionally, building relationships in community. I have played softball in this community. I go to church in this community. I volunteer in this community. I’ve shown up in so many different spaces and places that I cannot walk around anywhere in San Rafael without someone going, ‘Hey Mo, it’s great to see you!’ and that brings me joy. Genuine community connection brings me joy, which tracks since my first name is Maureen Joy.
Diana Maier
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I have lived in Marin almost all my life but currently live in E. San Rafael and only moved here 2.5 years ago. The 13 years before that we were in San Anselmo. Note: This answer was provided through email.
What are you running for and why?
Marin Municipal Water District Board, Division 2.
The issues before the board right now are more critical than ever. We almost ran out of water in 2021 so we desperately need to make a plan for supply. Wildfire preparation is the other big issue. So it’s a really critical time. [So it seemed like serving on the water board right now would be a chance for] impactful public service. I also think the board would really benefit from having a woman on it. There has been very little female representation on the board over the years and right now it’s five men.
What positive changes are you looking to implement?
Well, I think the thing that has to happen — and the sooner the better — is deciding what to do. To enhance Marin’s water supply, the Board has been looking at options and studying them for the past year or so. So making a decision and moving forward with that project absolutely needs to happen, and hopefully, very, very soon, that is. I’d like to see a really good, really good, long term solution to the water supply issue in Marin happen.
And we also need to do more to prepare for wildfire. Like with water supply, there are a couple of different things that are being looked at to lower the risk, not necessarily of a fire, but of a really destructive fire that would take civilian lives and possibly destroy the whole watershed. That is the other thing that just absolutely has to happen. And again, the sooner the better.
The third thing before the Board right now, is making some decisions about how different users of the watershed are going to interact. So for example, right now, there’s [are no trails where bikes are permitted on Tam] and a number of the local bike communities upset about that. Their argument is that there’s really no scientific research behind declaring that bikes impact the watershed in a negative way that a person on a horse wouldn’t. [So the MMWD is launching a pilot program] with different trails, and having some of those trails be either bike only or a combination of bike and hiker, and see how it works out.
How do your career and previous experiences equip you for this role?
Two things I think will be most helpful. The issues before the Water Board are extremely complex. They may not look like it on the front of it, but the more I know, the more I realize what I don’t know. [So a board member has to have] the ability to synthesize large amounts of information, read through it, analyze it and then ask the right questions to come to some solid answers on the relevant issues that I definitely think I’ve learned as a lawyer.
The other thing is that as a mediator, I take complex issues where there is a lack of consensus, and try to create consensus or compromise. Consensus, 100% consensus, is not always possible, but some kind of compromise often is. And I think that’s a lot of what the Water Board needs right now.
And you’re running at a time when we’re seeing a big shift in the political atmosphere, with women running in politics and being involved more. How has that played a role in your campaign and your priorities?
I think that had a particularly motivating effect on me to do this, I knew that the four years ahead of me, if I were elected, would be tough. There’s a lot of hard decisions to make — some decisions likely won’t be popular, at least with some parts of the county. And it’s, it’s a lot of work for basically volunteer. There’s a small stipend.
I think part of that was driving me was that idea it’s really important for women to be stepping up, and the impact that it might have on my kids to see me instead of complaining about issues that I was concerned about, step up and do something about them. I think, as a mom, that’s something I think about all the time — what lessons are my kids getting from me, and what am I teaching them? So that I think had a part in it too.
Chantel Walker
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I’ve lived in San Anselmo for 10 years.
What are you running for and why?
I’m running for the San Anselmo Town Council, with great enthusiasm. I am running in our town because I have enjoyed living in San Anselmo during this time and enjoyed many of the benefits of living here, and I think as you benefit, it’s also good to serve. Running in San Anselmo was really an extension of some of the community based work that I’ve done as a volunteer for many, many years.
I started working in Marin in 1996 and I moved to Marin from San Francisco about 10 years ago. For me, our town, what I love, why I’m running, what I think I can contribute to, includes the continued economic vibrancy that we have over the last 10 years, seeing the development, the vibrance, the energy people coming to downtown San Anselmo, the positivity, the output that we have that’s welcoming. I really want to continue that. I want to listen to some of the things that business owners are saying and see how I can continue to support them along a vibrancy path. I like the connectedness of families and people actually from all over Marin and beyond, but definitely the families and folks who are walking down, walking around downtown frequently.
And in our town, fire protection and preparedness and flood protection and preparedness are extremely important, and there’s some great work being done. I’d like to contribute to expanding that, deepening it, making sure that as individuals, we remain connected and even strengthen those connections, and seeing how the town can support and promote what’s already going well, and deepening it.
I also am running because of our infrastructure, roads, facilities, and open space. There are some really important things that we can do to improve our roads, and some of that’s happening. We have a general plan coming up that will be a great time to discuss our facilities and open spaces.
I am also, you know, at the big picture level, beyond those specific things, I like the ability to make impact. And I think in San Anselmo, it’s possible to make an impact… I understand that government can do great things, and I understand the levers of how that works. Moving into a town council role would give me a chance to use some of that county wide and local experience in government, in service of our town, which I live in and love, and would focus on an ability to make an impact, a generational impact.
And you’re running at a time when we’re seeing a big shift in the political atmosphere, with women running in politics and being involved more. How has that played a role in your campaign and your priorities?
I think in my campaign, I have felt an embrace from people who are excited about seeing women from a diversity of backgrounds, volunteer experience and professional experience come in. And I have never run for office before, and so it’s been great to hear that some of the information and some of the things that I’m learning about running are coming from people who are experienced in running and are encouraging, and I feel like that camaraderie is there.
It’s a positive experience for me, and it’s happening. I think the multiple perspectives that we bring as women who’ve had a number of professional roles and as women of different backgrounds, certainly ethnic backgrounds, will enrich the conversations and results of the elected bodies we participate in and the communities we serve.
You’ve been involved with equity and inclusion work in other roles you’ve had. How would you integrate this focus with a position on the San Anselmo Town Council?
Equity, for me, is really looking at the data available, understanding what we’re doing well, where there’s a disparate impact that’s consistent across groups, and then thinking about in the best interest of the public, of the community, of the institution that we lead, what are the strategic steps that we need to take to help everyone thrive, regardless of background and identity? It is best to begin equity conversations and actions by talking with community members with an open mind. I have done a lot of work around social equity, community development, and equity in education during my professional career and volunteer service.
How would the impact you made in this role trickle down to other nearby cities and communities?
I do know quite a bit about how local collaboratives in our community work. One of my roles in the County Community Development Agency was working across cities and towns. I would practice the art of collaboration, the ability to listen deeply, to understand the similarities and distinctions, and still produce results together. I would think about the near-term and generational impact of big decisions on San Anselmo and seek information about the impact of those decisions on adjacent communities and Marin as a whole.
Crystal Martinez
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I have proudly called San Rafael home for the last 20 years.
What are you running for and why?
I’m running for Marin Community College District Board of Trustees District 2 because I’ve experienced the transformative power of education firsthand. Community college allowed me to support my family while earning my degree, opening doors that shaped my future. As a mother and current Trustee at the College of Marin, I’m dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to the life-changing opportunities that education provides. My goal is to strengthen the College of Marin’s legacy as a leader in education, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of opportunity and growth for all of Marin County.
What positive changes do you want to make?
As a Trustee, I’m committed to advocating for positive changes that enhance accessibility, opportunity, and success at the College of Marin. I’ll push for policies that expand course offerings to more locations with flexible schedules, making education accessible to all students. I’ll also work to promote the College of Marin as a top choice for high school graduates and adults by highlighting its affordability and educational quality.
I’ll advocate for systems to track and re-engage former students, encouraging them to complete their education, which strengthens both their futures and our community. Workforce housing is another priority — I’ll support initiatives to develop affordable housing for staff and faculty, easing their financial burdens and helping us retain top talent.
Strong community partnerships are essential, so I’ll work to foster collaborations with local businesses and organizations to create valuable opportunities for students, such as internships and job placements. My advocacy is driven by core values: ensuring access to quality education, supporting adaptive courses that meet market and local needs, providing resources to help students balance work and school, and reducing barriers to student success. Through these efforts, I aim to strengthen the College of Marin’s role as a cornerstone of opportunity and growth for our entire community.
What does your previous experience with politics look like?
I began my political journey in 2021 with the Marin County Young Democrats, where I served as Vice Chair. Although I’ve since aged out, I remain an active ally of the organization. I also represent District 1 on the Democratic Central Committee of Marin and have served as a delegate to multiple CADEM conventions. Recently, I had the honor of serving as a DNC delegate in Chicago. To further prepare from running for office, I completed trainings hosted by the Marin Women’s Political Action Committee and the North Bay Labor Council. I’m also a proud 2024 graduate of Emerge California.
How have those experiences prepared you for the position you’re running for now?
My political experience has provided me with an understanding of the complexities involved in running for office and the essentials of effective governance. Through hands-on involvement and mentorship, I’ve developed strong relationships and gained valuable insights into the intricacies of public service. This background has prepared me to approach my role as Trustee with a well-rounded perspective, ensuring I can advocate effectively and contribute to good governance for the College of Marin.
And you’re running at a time when we’re seeing a big shift in the political atmosphere, with women running in politics and being involved more. How has that played a role in your campaign and your priorities?
I’m deeply inspired by the significant shift of women in politics, especially during this pivotal presidential election. Serving as a Harris delegate at the DNC was a profound experience that left me both motivated and proud. My two terms on the Marin Women’s Commission and my visit to Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, have always reinforced my passion for ensuring women have a seat at the table.
One of your priorities is encouraging community college as a first choice, which is a shift we’ve been seeing more recently, but is also something some people still don’t fully agree with since it doesn’t necessarily align with the traditional four-year university path. How will you combat this while still advocating for your priority?
While there is still some stigma associated with community college, it’s essential to recognize that it offers valuable, accessible opportunities for many students who may not have the means or readiness to attend a four-year university immediately. Community college serves as an affordable and equitable option, providing multiple pathways such as transfer programs to UC and other prestigious institutions, as well as vocational and certificate programs.
To address this stigma and advocate for community college as a first choice, I will emphasize its role as a powerful equalizer that supports diverse educational and career goals. By highlighting success stories, improving public perception through outreach and education, and showcasing the practical benefits and pathways community college offers, I aim to shift the narrative and demonstrate its significant value in shaping successful futures.
What have you learned from your appointment in 2023 that you would use in a full term?
Since my appointment in 2023, I’ve gained valuable insights into the diverse stakeholders crucial to the College of Marin’s success. I’ve actively pursued specialized training from the Community College League of California to build my competencies. Regular visits to the Kentfield and Indian Valley campuses, along with direct engagement with students, faculty, staff, and the Student Trustee, have deepened my understanding of their needs and perspectives. This experience has sharpened my ability to advocate effectively and make informed decisions that will serve the college and community well throughout a full term.
Editor’s Note: This article should not be considered an endorsement of any of the below candidates. Some quotes have been adjusted after-the-fact via email and upon request of interviewees to clean up any verbal mishaps or miscommunications.
