Elected in November 2024, Adena Ishii is the first Asian American and the first woman of color to serve as Mayor of Berkeley. She grew up in Southern California and was actively involved in the Asian American community. As a Japanese American whose family was incarcerated during WWII, she values ensuring that every voice is heard, questioning the status quo, and advocating for justice and equity. Mayor Ishii moved to Berkeley, attended Berkeley City College, and later transferred to the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. She went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law.
Mayor Ishii brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience rooted in community organizing, civic engagement, and organizational development. In her professional career, she worked as a consultant to several local nonprofits, helping them with strategic planning, culture building, and facilitation. This work aligns closely with her role as Mayor, where she facilitates difficult conversations and council meetings. Her leadership and expertise in these areas allow her to work across differences and bring a sense of camaraderie to City Hall.
As Mayor, she is leading efforts on homelessness and housing both locally and regionally, serving as chair of the Alameda County Mayors’ Conference working group on homelessness. She convenes the Sanctuary City Task Force monthly and led the passage of an ordinance reaffirming Berkeley’s position as a Sanctuary City. She is excited to continue her work improving the everyday lives of Berkeleyans and carrying forward Berkeley’s legacy of showing the nation what progressive policy can achieve.
She lives in beautiful South Berkeley, with her family and three dogs.
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