Growing up in a military family, Gennifer built strong childhood memories visiting Evanston’s beaches and parks. Four years ago, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving here to pursue graduate research. She has since received her MA from Northwestern University in Asian American history as an homage to her Japanese mother.

Gennifer has been active in politics for over a decade. As a teenager, she worked with her State Senator on environmental justice in Lake Michigan, advocating for a lakefront protection plan and resources to address a neglected nuclear power plant in Zion, Illinois. Today, as a leader in the Democratic Party of Evanston, Gennifer volunteers her time uplifting young people and women in politics.

Professionally, Gennifer connects environmentalism with public action. She works at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, focusing on community engagement, environmental justice issues, and advising responsible Board votes. She’s also a policy advisor to a renewable energy developer, specializing in benefits to public schools.

If elected, Gennifer would be the first Japanese American and first Gen Z member of the Evanston City Council.