Service

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“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.”― Shirley Chisholm

• Currently, honorably serving as city council member of Lexington’s 2nd District.

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• Successfully initiated and held districtwide meetings to keep neighbors educated and informed Shayla will continue to serve the 2nd District with a servant-leader heart, focusing on equity for all its residents.

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• I began serving my community when I was six years old.  I was an active member of my Girl Scout Troop (Troop 422) and I learned the importance of taking an active interest in the welfare of my community.  The leadership and community service ideals learned as a Girl Scout coupled with the continuing examples of servant-leadership that my parents provided, and still provide to this day, I can confidently say that public service is my life’s purpose.  

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• For over 19 years I have found fulfillment in serving our community in various capacities and I want to continue this work as your 2nd District City Council member. 

  • Lexington Habitat for Humanity, Board of Directors

  • Mayor’s Commission on Justice and Racial Equality, Subcommittee Co-Chair

  • Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass, Volunteer and Program Advisory Committee Member

  • Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Social Services Advisory Committee, Member

  • Lexington Urban League Young Professionals, Member

  • Fayette County Public Schools Equity Council, Former Member

  • Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, Board of Directors

  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter, Member

  • Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Neighborhoods In Transition Task Force, Former Member

  • North Limestone Community Development Corporation, Former Board Member

  • William Wells Brown Elementary School, Reading Writing and Rewards Program Former Volunteer Tutor

 

Advocacy

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"If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." ― Shirley Chisholm

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• It has been an honor to be an advocate in our community for over 17 years.  My professional life’s work has been advocating for survivors of housing discrimination and sexual violence.  Doing this work has allowed me to see the good, the bad, and the promise of our community.  It is the promise of a better future that motivates me to continue fighting.  Daily, I arise ready for the challenge, ready for the work. 

•  As your advocate on the city council, I want to work, not just for you, but WITH you to foster positive change in our community.  I will uplift the voices that most often go unheard, and center humanity when making decisions on behalf of our community.

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Partnership

 

“I am and always will be a catalyst for change.”― Shirley Chisholm

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• As your city council member I want to partner with you.  This path is not one I can walk alone–I need you!  I invite you to the table to work with me as we work to cultivate thriving communities within our city.  No need to pull up a chair, I have one waiting just for you!  Let’s do this work together!

• Through my advocacy and service to the community, I’ve created many partnerships along the way that will help us meet our goals for a thriving community. 

  • I’ve worked with the city’s Planning Department to help develop a Public Engagement Toolkit that makes the planning process more user-friendly for citizens.

  • As a facilitator for the "On The Table" community discussions, I fellowshipped and discussed with many community members the city’s existing housing crisis and discussed solutions.

  • As a Council Member, I will continue to build partnerships to cultivate thriving communities within our city.

 

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