Cheryl began her League journey a little over 5 years ago when she joined the West Contra Costa League after an invitation from a board member. Soon after, she was asked to be the Treasurer. At the time, the League was in a financial crisis and after taking over the financial duties, her League is now thriving financially and continues to support voting and registration efforts throughout her community.

Cheryl is a California-grown community leader. She graduated from Berkeley High and received her associates degree in liberal arts from Contra Costa College. A resident of Richmond, she has filled many roles in her community including working education, retail, and property management. Her volunteer roles have also varied throughout her community, including serving as president of her neighborhood council and doing outreach to people experiencing homelessness.

Cheryl jokes that she has tried to retire four times but keeps taking on roles to support her community. Now “officially” retired, Cherly is the president of her League and has been working hard to get out the vote in West Contra Costa County. A lifelong voter, Cheryl recalls the excitement of voting for the first time and hasn’t missed an election since she turned 18. She loves her League outreach work because, “Everything is about the voters.”

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Cheryl has maintained a thriving relationship with her local elections officials, the Martinez Election Board. Through their partnership, they lead voter registration efforts and host forums to help educate and empower community members to register and vote. “It has been an honor to serve with people much more brilliant than I, like ex-mayors and elected officials. They trust me and it is humbling and a privilege.”

Why does she care so much about voting?
“If you don’t vote, you’re giving away a fundamental right that affects every part of your life”.

Cheryl talks to many voters on the phone when they call her League for help noting, “Sometimes when the panicked voter calls I am not only a voter educator but a mother and a psychologist”.

What about the League and Diversity?

Cheryl beams with pride about the diversity of her League’s board, “I would say that we have the most diverse executive board throughout the United States”. She also notes, “I am very proud when I see our CEO on TV in jeans with other African Americans protesting for voting rights.”

“The National and State League have set the pace for human rights and inclusion - bringing in more youth. If you don't bring in the youth it will die, you have to have young folks. Hopefully Leagues can mentor new younger members.

Why join the League today?
“We need your energy and we need your skills and what you can bring to the table to help us be more successful and make the League stronger” Cheryl remarked.

The League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa  covers 7 towns but Cheryl says this election season they plan to focus on reaching the young people of Richmond to register and vote. The League will be hosting multiple election forums and registering voters through their community outreach with registration form distribution events, as well as through new partnerships with local churches.

In her free time, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her two daughters, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She also acts as a servant leader for St. John’s Missionary Baptist church and conducts community service for her business and professional sorority.

Be like Cheryl! Find your local League and join us today!