Updated March 7 with additional details from the candidate

Current Edmonds School Board President Diana White said she will run for the Edmonds City Council Position 6 seat being vacated by Councilmember Tom Mesaros.

White has been active in multiple City of Edmonds efforts, including roles as a founding member of the Edmonds Diversity Commission, member of Mayor’s Advisory Group, and participation on the Civic Park Planning Committee. She has also served as past chair of the Hazel Miller Foundation.

“I am extremely proud to leave a legacy on the school board as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and hope to expand this work as a councilmember” White said. This focus led White to create the Teachers of Color Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing the diversity of educators in the Edmonds School District.

White said she will bring strong skills in financial stewardship and a commitment to transparent and cooperative governance. She added she brings a creative approach to problem solving, with a proven track record of working with diverse stakeholders to agree on effective solutions.

“The Edmonds School Board takes great pride in our reputation as a highly functioning team, and I will continue to serve as an elected official with the same level of integrity, professionalism and commitment to the greater good of our community,” she said.

As Diversity Commission chair, White was instrumental in bringing Indigenous Peoples Day to the Edmonds City Council in 2017. As an enrolled member of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Indians, she especially advocates for issues and initiatives for Indigenous people, including serving on a statewide panel of school board directors for Inclusive curriculum. She also volunteers in local classrooms teaching native customs and traditions to elementary school children.

“I believe all our children need to know and be proud of their heritage, no matter where they come from,” added White.

White cites her efforts as a leader and organizer in the Edmonds community since moving to Edmonds with her family in 2001. She was the driving force behind the Edmonds Elementary playground and walking track project in 2007, bringing together stakeholders including PTA, school district and city to create a multi-partnership project for the whole city to enjoy.

White graduated from Washington State University with a degree in finance and worked as a commercial property casualty underwriter for Aetna Insurance before spending time to raise her family. She and her husband Steve are proud parents of four children, all who attended Edmonds Public Schools.

Several community members have pledged support to White’s campaign including Edmonds City Councilmembers Tom Mesaros and Neil Tibbott, former Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson, Diversity Commission member Maria Montalvo, Foundation for Edmonds School District Executive Director Deb Anderson and Edmonds restaurant owner Shubert Ho.