Ruth Bayan
Northwest Asia Weekly
Sofia Aragon (Courtesy of Brienne)
“I have some really big shoes to pack.”
That’s what Sofia Aragon said in her Jan. 10 speech, after the Brienne City Council voted her mayor for a two-year term.
Aragon is Executive Director of the Washington Nursing Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a strong and diverse nursing workforce.
She is the first woman of color to serve as mayor of Breen.
Aragon praised outgoing Mayor Jimmy Matta, who became the city’s first Latino mayor in 2018, for his “willingness to “regardless of community members agreeing on issues debated by City Council or not” engage with them.”
Matta will continue to serve as a board member.
Aragon, a Filipino, was nominated by council member Kevin Schilling and supported by newly elected council members Stephanie Mora, as well as Matta and Schilling.
Newly elected Council Member Sarah Moore, nominated by newly elected Council Member Hugo Garcia, is supported by Garcia and Council Member Cydney Moore.
Immediately after the council vote, Sarah Moore congratulated Aragorn, who later praised Moore’s willingness to “play a leadership role.”
Aragorn called the mayor’s role one of “servant leadership.” I’m really here to support the whole committee to make sure we do our best work as a whole…I want to continue our momentum to make sure community opinions and dissent are raised…I think we’re united and want to be the best in town Good people work. But in order to do that, my task is to make sure we have a thorough discussion that everyone can hear. “
Ruth can be reached by Editor @nwasianweekly.com.
