Teri Hickel is a unique and impactful leader who has not only led a life dedicated to public service, but has also dedicated her career to inspiring others to do the same. Much can be said about her extensive resume and accomplishments, but they only tell half the story of what makes her an ideal candidate for state representative.

Teri served as the executive director of Advancing Leadership for 15 years and I am a proud graduate of its youth division, which provided me with invaluable insight that I carry with me to this day. Teri consistently used her outstanding leadership, resources and strong relationships within the community to make sure that each day of the program was both memorable and transformative.

When the theme of the day was servant leadership, she gave us the late Phil Smart, Sr. who inspired us to use the “third eight” of our day not spent sleeping or working to help those less fortunate. That instruction made such an impression on me that I referenced it in my personal statement for law school years later.

For diversity day, Teri surprised us all in the best way possible by inviting reformed gang members to speak with us about their life experiences and non-profit work with disadvantaged youth. She did not want just anyone to come in and lecture us about cultural differences. She sought people out whose stories would teach us the value of empathy and understanding in the fullest way possible.

On top of that, she was there each day to get to know all of her participants on a personal level, which is why so many Advancing Leadership graduates remain involved with the program long after they are done with it. This speaks volumes about the type of character and leadership she would bring to Olympia and to her constituents in the 30th Legislative District.

Far from the teenager I was when I graduated from Advancing Leadership Youth, I am now a second-year law student at UC Berkeley. The more I progress through my own career and meet people with diverse backgrounds along the way, I grow more cognizant of how critically our future depend on leaders like Teri who are deeply invested in empowering youth and providing them with inspiration, a sense of purpose early in their lives, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

I am grateful to have had her as a mentor and a friend, and I have no doubt that she would make a real difference as our next state representative.

Andrea Ortega, Berkeley, California