City of Santa Cruz City Council Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson

Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson won the election for Santa Cruz City Council in November 2020, representing a clean sweep for women on the ballot during the election cycle. The nonprofit founder and grant writer said she used her experience as an immigrant and a social change leader to help her understand what was important to voters. Kalantari-Johnson immigrated to the United States as a child in 1985. She received her education at UC Santa Cruz and has since married and had two kids. She said her priorities will be to focus on economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic along with advocating for affordable housing.

First elected: Nov. 3, 2020

Day job: Founder of Impact Launch, a local community-oriented nonprofit

Alma maters: San Jose State University (master’s degree, social work); UC Santa Cruz (bachelor’s degree, psychology and French)

Notable quote: “The health, economy, and social fabric of our community are experiencing significant stress and uncertainty. The path to recovery will not be quick or easy, but I believe our community can come together in seeking solutions.”