IN 25 WORDS OR LESS
That’s it. Leaders and influencers, who are usually given the floor for as long as they like, are limited here to condensed responses (no more than 25 words) that get straight to the point.
Find what you are passionate about, work hard and do not wait for anyone else to deliver what you want.
– THE BASICS
Name: Malia Cohen
Age: 30s • Status: Single • Kids: No
Place of Birth: San Francisco, CA • Raised: San Francisco, CA
Professional Background: I was elected in November 2010 and re-elected in November 2014 to represent the residents of San Francisco’s 10th District, including the Bayview Hunters Point, Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods. I am also an elected member of the San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee representing Assembly District 17.
What achievement or position are you most known for? Elected member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for District 10
– WORK
Job(s) held that is most unlike what I currently do now: Gymnastics teacher.
Field: Public Service
Title: Elected Member of the Board of Supervisors – City and County of San Francisco
If term limits apply to your position, when is your last Month, Yr in office?: December 2018
Yrs of Experience: 13
Company: San Francisco Board of Supervisors – San Francisco, CA
What it does and what I do: Serves the residents and visitors of San Francisco. I am an elected member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, San Francisco’s legislative branch.
Current Big Project: Ensuring transparency and accountability in public safety in San Francisco.
Staffing/Resource Needs: We are always looking for interns and volunteers in my office.
Additional organizations: San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, Emerge CA, various democratic clubs.
– PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: Being one of the few women of color in elected office in San Francisco.
Significant Mistake/Regret: There are not enough hours in the day for me to tackle all of the important policy issues I would like to.
Significant Accomplishment: Passed numerous pieces of legislation including bringing transparency and accountability to law enforcement, increasing access to affordable housing, requiring truthful advertising in reproductive health care.
Biggest Strength(s): Strong work ethic, leadership and commitment to helping the residents of San Francisco.
Biggest Weakness(es): Over analyzing each and every issue and problem that comes my way.
Career Advice: Find what you are passionate about, work hard and do not wait for anyone else to deliver what you want.
– PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: Struggling to find a good work life balance between my demanding job as a public servant and spending time with my family.
Significant Accomplishment: Learning to speak basic Chinese.
Life Advice: One of my favorite quotes, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” – Albert Einstein.
Trait(s) most admired in others: Patience, hard work, tenacity and boldness.
Some causes/organizations I support: Several organizations focused on electing more women and people of color to public office.
Some of my most-admired people (excluding parents): Angela Glover-Blackwell, Shirley Chisholm, Dolores Huerta.
– LIFESTYLE
Hours of “personal” downtime/week: 15
Favorite activity(s) in my personal downtime: Spending time with my family, especially my 6 year old niece.
Some of my favorite local hangouts: The gym, Radio Africa and Kitchen, Kabuki Movie Theater.
Some of my favorite TV shows: How to Get Away with Murder, Modern Family.
Favorite Vacation Spot(s): Thailand, South Africa, Dominican Republic.
Place(s) I would like to visit: Maldives, Zanzibar and Paris.
Favorite Pastime/Hobby(s): Camping, cooking and going to the movies.
Favorite Book(s): Between the World and Me, Americanah, and The Art of War.
Something about me that may surprise you: I am afraid of cats and my first car was a Datsun 280-Z.
