2023 Stamford Election Profile: Gabriela Koc For Board Of Education

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 7 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Stamford.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Name

Gabriela Koc

How old will you be as of Election Day?

27

What city or town do you live in?

Stamford

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education Member

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

I attended UConn where I received a B.S. in Biology with a Pre-Medicine track, a M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction, and graduated as a certified 7th-12th science teacher.

What is your occupation?

Executive Secretary and Scheduler at Office of the State Treasurer since January of this year.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I am the eldest between my siblings Emely, 24, and Leo ,15. I also have family in Florida, Peru and Venezuela.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I understand the importance of the BOE in leading our school system to a more excellent quality of education for all students. I am a product of public schools, an immigrant, and the eldest daughter of immigrant parents who had to serve as an advocate for my siblings my whole life in their education. I have always viewed our public schools as a testament to the opportunities here in the U.S. and an accessible avenue for all families and students to succeed and learn invaluable knowledge and skills to prepare them for their adult life.

Although there is much work to be done, I know most SPS families and students view our schools in the same light. I can lead with this belief at the forefront, providing information and liaising with our most disadvantaged populations. Providing professionalism and diplomacy on the most contentious issues, and most urgently, committing my position to represent and demonstrate that migrant families and their children deserve equity and a seat at the table. Like many others, I chose Stamford to invest in and dedicate my adult life to bettering. I was raised to be an active member of my community, and as a successful young professional, I am evidence that our schools work for young people of diverse backgrounds; I have been waiting for an opportunity to give back to the institutions that made my story possible.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Pressing issues are all dire and it is difficult and too crucially subjective to rank, but one can reason that most, if not all of them, can lead to a vital need of representation that is equitable, grounded and reflective of the constituency. Enrollment data shows the majority of Stamford students are Hispanic/Latino. Our school supports need to be culturally responsive, and we need more assistance for non-English-speaking families and their complex needs. Our BOE needs to reflect the growing diversity seeking to thrive in Stamford. Our students and their families need educators and staff that reflect the diversity, understand it, and are curious to learn about what they do not understand. We must deliver overdue action and intent to our rapidly growing diverse community and I hope to offer future-conscious leadership and a perspective unique to my lived experiences and professional background.

Having someone like me on the board will allow for greater diversity of thought and engagement with constituent groups who have typically felt overlooked. Equitable representation will help lead us towards crafting policies and voting on budgets that prioritize equity in SPS quality of education. Studies show that providing accessible opportunities for quality education for all has proven to be a valuable investment across the country, let alone in our city.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I would say the most obvious difference is that I am a younger, newer candidate. With recently graduating from college myself and looking to prepare for a family and stable adult life, I am able to speak to experiences many young families and students might also have experience with. While attending UConn Stamford I, like many newer residents who have joined our growing community, realized the value and amazing potential Stamford has and chose to move here 3 years ago.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I believe being able to communicate with your constituency in ways that are meeting them where they are is crucial to any healthy governing body. I plan to address issues of engagement and outreach, by making efforts toward multilingual debriefs on BOE business and critical voting measures. I also am passionate about bridging the college readiness gap, which encompasses addressing disparities and lag in literacy proficiency across many disciplines. You can learn more about our other initiatives by visiting our campaign website.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have experience working in the legal field as a legal assistant, handling sensitive immigration and civil suits across Fairfield County, among other areas of the law. My ability to read and comprehend legal language and policy will serve me well in this role. I have experience with Roberts Rules of order, serving on democratic committees and bodies in my volunteer work, and leading meetings. I have excellent diplomatic and interpersonal skills and strong communication and organizational skills. I graduated to be a high school science teacher and am a native Spanish speaker. I also have a great understanding of state to local-level regulatory processes and procedures and serve on the board for The Center for Wellbeing, which provides culturally responsive mental health services for uninsured youth and their families.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I am a big James Baldwin fan and this famous quote by him reminds me why, regardless of how easy or difficult it may be, doing the right thing is always the right thing... "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Aside from my professional work, I am a major “foodie” and enjoy trying different cuisines and restaurants. Music, and history have always peaked my interest and I love learning about my indigenous Quechua roots and listening to my grandmothers’ folktales. I dream and hope that in my lifetime I will see an equitable reform of public-school funding, and of our country’s immigration system. I was raised by a village and fundamentally value the importance of it.