My name is Marla A. Matime and I am running for Riverside Unified School District Trustee Area 4. As a wife and mother of three within RUSD, small business owner, and nonprofit leader, I’ve been honored to serve my community in many capacities.  In my current roles as Executive Director of the Cal Cities African American Caucus, the BEO of California, and president of CCAEJ,  I've honed the skills necessary to guide teams toward common goals. Additionally, I’ve helped families form our site African American Parent Advisory Council, to ensure our students have an inclusive experience, as they begin their academic journey. My work in forming nonprofits, parent organizations, committees, and building and running a small business, demonstrates my commitment to building strong, supportive communities around our schools. I have also volunteered in various functions at my church and within our community, fostering a spirit of collaboration and service. As a small media company owner, I understand the importance of clear communication and transparency. Additionally, my work with elected officials throughout California and across all levels of government has given me valuable insight into how policies can impact our education system. I’m experienced, qualified, and committed to advocating for our students, teachers, and families to create an equitable and inclusive future for all.