As a woman running for public office, what legacy do you hope your candidacy leaves for the next generation of women and girls in our community?
Right now, we are in a period of time when women are being discouraged from public life, and even from voting, which seems unthinkable. Yet women have always been here, running things, raising families, and doing the work of ‘bending the arc toward justice’ for people and the planet. This is particularly true of women of color. I guess it’s as simple, and as complicated, as it’s my generation’s turn to do this work, and I have tried to do it my whole life in one way or another. I hope my legacy will be to follow in the footsteps of so many talented, stubborn women, and to be an example for future generations.
What do you hope another woman or young girl sees in you that gives her the courage to believe, “If she can do it, so can I”?
If you think you can do it, well, you can! And you likely will do lots of things in life. I grew up in an educator and small business family in coastal South Jersey and Philadelphia. I learned early on that everyone is capable. You have to believe in yourself, work hard, keep learning, and figure out, often through trial and error, what your talents and abilities are. Then you need to plug into those personally and professionally, and build your networks of support and mentorship.
Before I had my 3 kids, and various fur kids, I worked in small business hospitality and restaurants, the nonprofit arts and human services sector, and then in a horticulture and garden design company. As a primary caregiver of my three children and a Rochester community volunteer for over 20 years, I’ve seen that there is so much to be done, you just have to jump in and find your way. Believe in yourself and choose a path in what you believe, and see where it leads you. For me, this has always been building community capacity for women, children, families, education, the environment, and the arts…the bedrocks of our lives.
Learn as much as you can, so you can feel confident when the next role or project comes along. Have fun and enjoy those important friends and colleagues along the way. Everything you do helps! I’ve supported candidates for about 10 years now, but I’ve never run for office myself, so this is a new path for me. I look forward to the opportunity to put my years of experience into policy work for Rochester Public Schools, because strong public schools mean our community is strong. Thanks so much for these questions, and for the voices and stories of Rochester Women Magazine. I hope to earn your vote for Ana Folpe for School Board.
Website: anafolpe.com
Facebook: Ana Folpe for School Board
Rochester Women Magazine Statement
Rochester Women Magazine is committed to elevating the voices of individuals in our community. This candidate spotlight is part of our effort to inform and engage readers by introducing candidates seeking elected office in Rochester and Olmsted County.
Rochester Women Magazine does not endorse or oppose any candidate. These features are intended solely to provide voters with an opportunity to learn more about the individuals who have chosen to serve their communities through public office.