WWW.PROFESSIONALWOMANMAG.COM PROFESSIONAL WOMANS MULTICULTURAL MAGAZINE
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osemary Ketchum won a seat on the Wheeling City Council in West Virginia on June 9, 2020, becoming the state's first openly transgender elected official. Ketchum wants to create an inclusive, accessible and thriving community. She is the Associate Director of NAMI of Greater Wheeling, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a member of the Wheeling Human Rights Commission and the board of directors for the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virgin- ia, recipient of the 2019 West Virginia Wonder Woman award and a transgender woman. Ketchum has lived in Wheeling for almost a decade and has noticed the con- stant contradiction in the city. A growing energy, but a dwindling population. A blossoming arts and small business community, but families are struggling to make ends meet. Her platform is built on community service and making Wheeling a city for all. With a plan to combat addiction, homelessness, lack of accessible public transit, along with many other public issues, she is working to ensure the values of the community will be reflected in the actions of the local leadership. Ketchum is not one for just grand ideas; she is one who has solid plans of action. To her, this isnt just about an election cycle or combating establishment politics; its about making Wheeling a place for all to call home. She pledges to organize, host and fund positive community engagement events, to never hide from tough conversations and to put 20 percent of her council pay back into the community.
Source: victoryfund.org
West Virginia's First Transgender Elected Official
PHOTO CREDIT: ROSEMARY KETCHUM
We run for office to make a difference. I guess if history is made in the process, then so be it."
Rosemary Ketchum Source: Rewire News Group
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