Daniela Velazquez Won as 6th Ward Alderwoman

By Cecilia Velázquez

Daniela Velazquez, a first-generation St. Louisan, has made history by becoming the first Latina woman to be elected as Alderman of District 6 in St. Louis. Her victory is a significant milestone for the Latino community in St. Louis and represents a step forward towards greater diversity and inclusion in local politics.

Velazquez’s background and experience uniquely qualify her for this position. She has worked with community-based coalitions, national organizations, and local neighborhood-based groups, serving as a volunteer and deacon of her church and as a former board member of NARAL (now ProChoice Missouri). As a proud graduate of the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism and journalist, she learned to listen to people from all walks of life and analyze issues from different points of view.

As the former director of communications at the ACLU of Missouri, Velazquez used the power of storytelling to impact policy on issues ranging from voter’s rights to the criminal justice system. Her work with the Ferguson Commission demonstrated the power of community involvement, insight, and instigation in creating recommendations for civilian oversight of police departments. Additionally, her service as a board member for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis shows her commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting economic growth within the Latino community.

Velazquez’s success in the election is a testament to her dedication to coalitionbuilding and her ability to listen to different perspectives. She believes that representation matters and is committed to representing the perspectives of all who call St. Louis home. Her win as Alderman of District 6 is a significant milestone for the Latino community in St. Louis, as it provides a voice and representation in local politics.

Velazquez’s victory is a cause for celebration for the Latino community in St. Louis, as it signifies that the community’s voices are being heard and their perspectives are being represented. Her election is a step forward towards greater diversity and inclusion in local politics, as it demonstrates that people from all backgrounds can hold positions of power and influence.

For too long, the Latino community in St. Louis has been underrepresented in local politics, despite the fact that it is the fastest-growing population in the state and in the country. Velazquez’s win represents a shift towards greater representation and inclusion, and it sends a powerful message that Latinos are a vital and integral part of the St. Louis community.

Velazquez’s victory is also significant because it breaks down barriers and provides a role model for young Latinos who may aspire to pursue careers in politics. Her success sends a powerful message to the Latino youth in St. Louis that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Daniela Velazquez’s victory as Alderman of District 6 in St. Louis is a significant milestone for the Latino community in St. Louis. Her win represents a step forward towards greater diversity and inclusion in local politics, and it sends a powerful message that Latinos are a vital and integral part of the St. Louis community. Velazquez’s dedication to coalition-building and her commitment to representing the perspectives of all who call St. Louis home make her an excellent representative for District 6, and her success is a cause for celebration for the Latino community in St. Louis.