In partnership with DC Vote.
Unlike many young professionals who currently reside in the District of Columbia, Kim Ford was born and raised along the corridors of our Nation’s Capitol. As a DC native, the pulse of this city runs through her veins; and in 2009, after leaving for 10 years, Ford returned to her roots and permanently settled in the neighborhood of Ft. Lincoln.
At 34, Ford serves as a Community College Dean in Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning, as well as the Vice Chair on the board of DC Vote— an organization dedicated to strengthening democracy and securing equality for all in the District of Columbia through statehood.
Why would a successful young professional, busy with real-life responsibilities, make time to serve on the board of DC Vote for over a year?
“The residents of DC serve, protect, and defend our rights as Americans, as well as pay their fair share of taxes,” says Ford. “Therefore, we must have the same equality and opportunities afforded every other American.”
“When you’re in America, no matter where you choose to live, you should have the same rights as everyone else.
“When you’re in America, no matter where you choose to live, you should have the same rights as everyone else. Even if their plans are short term, people moving to our fair city must know what their decision to live here means– that they are giving up certain rights that others who live just a mile or two away have.”
“I have followed equality issues for the District of Columbia for a long time. We have had different iterations of advocacy for the District and DC Vote is a leader in these efforts. I have always wanted to serve the residents of the District of Columbia and I see my involvement with DC Vote as another form of service.”
As entrepreneurship explodes in Washington and the city continues to be a top destination for millennials after college, the rights of DC residents matter now more than ever.
“We want everyone to see DC as a viable place to live, work and raise a family,” continues Ford. “Those who are entrepreneurs shouldn’t wonder if living in a neighboring jurisdiction will provide more opportunities for them, their families and their success.”
“Those who are entrepreneurs shouldn’t wonder if living in a neighboring jurisdiction will provide more opportunities for them, their families and their success.”
“This is a great country, one that knows how to undo past wrongs and inconsistencies. We’ve seen it through Civil Rights, through Women’s Rights, through Gay Rights. This is one of the outstanding issues that I know we as a country will come together, support, and make right.”
