Forty Over 40

Forty Women to Watch Over 40

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Forty Over 40 Asks: 7Qs for Libby Schaaf, Mayor for the City of Oakland

aWelcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. We frequently spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.

This Q & A is with Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland City.

 

1) What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?

Deciding to quit my job as an attorney at the big, corporate law firm and take a job for roughly half the salary at a nonprofit to start a volunteer program for the Oakland public schools. I realized that my passion for public service was more important than compensation or professional prestige, and I’ve never regretted these values-led choices.

2)  Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

Jen Pahlka, founder of Code for America, encouraged me to see the innovative potential of government and participatory democracy, as well as to nurture it within Oakland. She also was one of the first influential leaders to urge me to run for Mayor and help me see myself in the role.

3)  What is your biggest goal right now?

To make Oakland a model city for health and equity during this time of resurgence, including improving outcomes for and preventing displacement of vulnerable residents, small businesses and cultural organizations, as well as tripling the number of Oakland youth who graduate from college.

4)  What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?

7am – I drive my kids to school in our mini-van; it’s often the only time all day I feel like a typical mom.

5)  How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?

Nearly every night I need to take my brain off work to fall asleep and enjoy doing so with some good fiction. I’m especially fond of geeky sci-fi fantasy and whatever my awesome book club has selected.

6)  What cause do you most want to advance?

Equitable life outcomes – especially higher education. Right now, only 1 in 10 Oakland public school 9th graders will graduate from college. That’s unacceptable, especially in this Knowledge Economy and considering shameful disparities by class and race. If there’s only one thing I do as Mayor it’s changing that. To learn how I will, visit www.OaklandPromise.org .

7)  What is your “keep me going” quote?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Check out Libby Schaaf’s 40 Over 40 profile here!

Whitney Johnson

Whitney Johnson

Whitney is the author of the acclaimed Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream. She has been named on numerous Smart Thinkers and People to Follow lists by major media such as Inc. Magazine, Business Insider and Huffington Post and is quoted in Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fast Company, Forbes and more.
Whitney Johnson