Why are you running for this position?  

I’m running for Federal Way City Council Position 2 because this city gave me my start. As a child adopted from Bulgaria, I came here not knowing the language or culture—but Federal Way welcomed me. That experience shaped my belief in community and fueled my commitment to public service.

During my time on the Council from 2013 to 2021, I led efforts to make local government more transparent by launching an online budget dashboard and pushing to televise committee meetings. I also spearheaded the creation of a new sister city relationship with Rivne, Ukraine—recognizing the importance of global connection and honoring the immigrant roots shared by many in our community.

Public safety continues to be a priority, and I’m proud to have the endorsement of both our police and firefighters. I’ve supported adding more officers, raising pay, and ensuring they have the tools they need. I’m committed to building a thriving, inclusive city that uplifts every voice.

The city is awarded a blank check for $400,000 that you can spend on anything that would improve the city. What would you spend it on and why?   

If the City of Federal Way received a $400,000 blank check, I would view it as a tool to help mitigate the harm everyday residents are facing due to cuts to various assistance programs and services. I would set aside a portion of the funds to grow through a dedicated investment fund—allowing it to generate long-term returns supporting youth services.

I would first pilot a program to make the community center free for kids and teens during summer and winter breaks, while actively seeking sustainable funding to ensure its long-term future. This would give young people a safe, positive place to learn, play, and connect when school is out. I’d also provide direct funding to the MSC Food Bank, which has been—and will continue to be—severely impacted by the recent federal funding bill pushed by Trump and passed by Congress.

I’d invest in programs and capital improvement enhancements for senior residents. To ensure livability across all neighborhoods, I’d also invest in code enforcement staffing so the city can respond more effectively to resident concerns.

When you think about your potential constituents, how would you describe the biggest challenges or concerns they currently face?   

When I think about my potential constituents, I see a resilient community—but one that’s facing real challenges. 

Families are paying more for groceries, gas, and rent, while critical safety nets are being pulled back. In Federal Way, the MSC Food Bank has seen a 20% spike in demand, yet lost 42% of its funding—forcing staff cuts and reduced service hours. That’s a local crisis. Seniors, working parents, and struggling families are being left with fewer resources and fewer places to turn. 

While we can’t control what happens in D.C., local government can absolutely step in. We can partner with nonprofits, restore funding for essential human services, and support programs that directly respond to community needs. These are practical, local steps that make a real difference. Federal Way should be a city where resilience is met with support, not silence—and that means having leaders at City Hall who are willing to speak up, listen, act, and stand with every resident.

What are some actions that Federal Way city leaders could take to better celebrate and serve all of the city’s many cultures and communities?  
As immigrant from Bulgaria, Federal Way gave me so many firsts, and it’s where I truly learned the power of belonging in a diverse community.
With over 100 languages and dialects spoken here, our diversity isn’t just something to celebrate—it’s our greatest strength. City leaders can do more to uplift that by continuing to invest in cultural events, the arts, language access programs, and immigrant and refugee services. We should also ensure our city commissions reflect the diversity of our community and work hand-in-hand with ethnic and faith-based organizations to shape inclusive policies. Even small actions—like displaying “Welcome to Federal Way” in multiple languages on the city’s electronic board off I-5—can help residents feel seen and valued.
When everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, Federal Way becomes a stronger, more united city for all of us.

Please share a recent example of a time that you went outside of your comfort zone to stand up for what was right.  
At first, I wasn’t comfortable taking a public stance on the issue of supervised heroin injection sites. It felt like a Seattle issue, not something that directly affected Federal Way at the time. But when King County began exploring possible locations and Federal Way was suddenly being mentioned as a potential site, I realized silence wasn’t an option.

I had to step outside my comfort zone and take a stand—loudly and clearly. I led the effort to pass a resolution opposing heroin injection sites in Federal Way. It wasn’t easy, and it meant challenging some powerful narratives—but I knew it was the right thing to do for our families, our neighborhoods, and our future. That experience taught me that even when an issue feels distant, real leadership means stepping up before it lands at your doorstep—and being willing to fight for your community when it matters most.\

Federal Way is about to enter a time of growth and development with the impending opening of the light rail. Why are you uniquely qualified to lead the city through this time of change?   
If you’ve seen my yard signs, you’ve probably noticed the Sound Transit light rail on them—and that’s intentional. The arrival of light rail in 2026 is one of the most transformational moments in Federal Way’s history. It represents opportunity—but also the need for strong, experienced leadership that can guide this growth in a way that benefits everyone.

I’ve served on the City Council before, and during my time I focused on economic development, infrastructure, and policies that prepared us for this very moment. I worked across the aisle to bring in new businesses, improve public safety, and push for transparency in how we spend public dollars. What sets me apart is that I’m not new to this work—I’ve already laid the groundwork.

As someone who’s both lived the immigrant experience and understands the challenges working families face, I know how important it is that we get this right. Light rail can connect our residents to opportunity—but only if we lead with intention, equity, and a plan. That’s exactly what I bring to the table.