I want to run for office one day—to become the mayor of Philadelphia. The city was founded by a Quaker, though it’s never had a female mayor. And Pennsylvania has never had a female senator.
I’m not Quaker but Quakerism has shaped my views. With my job at Friends General Conference, I help Quakers and meetings learn how to express their faith.
This is my first time at SLW. A year ago I would have said no to coming. But given the mid-term election shifts that are happening, I think politicians are starting to realize that their interests have to be in line with their constituents. And I thought this was a good time to have those conversations.
I’m on the autism spectrum and need a little more direction for reaching out to others. So at SLW, I hope to learn strategies for respectful and confident interactions with officials.
My boss told me that SLW is a great opportunity to learn how to lobby and to be an advocate for my community.
I’m a returned Peace Corps volunteer. When I first arrived at my posting, I didn’t speak the language, but the community took care of me. It made me understand that everyone should have equal access to the same opportunities.
Marta lives in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and works as the communications manager for the Friends General Conference. Marta co-hosts the Political Theater Podcast.