Full Biography for Sharifa Wilson

Candidate for
Council Member; City of East Palo Alto

Sharifa Wilson has founded and developed programs to help disadvantaged youth, is an elected official, and is a seasoned liaison with federal, state and local public agencies. A member of the City Council since 1990, she is currently Vice Mayor, and Chair of the cy for the City of East Palo Alto.

She served as Mayor for two years,during which time, Sharifa chaired the State of California High Crime Response Team;catalyzed formation of the Youth Commission for East Palo Alto;. She is co-founder and director of Children's Preservation Network Inc.; a school age after program.

Sharifa also co-founded The Dialogue Group, a local collaboration of foundations at-risk youth. Ms. Wilson has served on several community and youth-oriented boards and committees,including the Advisory Committee for RISE Youth Mentoring Program;the Partnership Council of the Peninsula Community Foundation,Ca.; the San Mateo County Community Block Grant Committee;and the East Palo Alto Employment and Training Committee.

Sharifa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from New York University and graduated with Fellowship status from the American Leadership Forum.