Dr. Shukri Olow is a mother, a community organizer, a doctoral scholar, and a candidate for King County District 5 (covering the cities of Kent, SeaTac, Tukwila, Burien, Normandy Park, Des Moines and Renton). For the last 14 years, she has worked directly in service to the residents of South King County on a variety of issues including housing, education and human services. Dr. Olow is running to bring her strong lived, professional, and community-based experienced to County Council.

Shukri was four years old when her father died in a tragic car accident, and a Civil War broke out in her birth county of Somalia. She fled the country with her mother and siblings, and between the ages of 4-10, she spent six years in a refugee camp, praying for an opportunity to find peace and security.

In 1996, at the age of 10, Shukri arrived in the United States, and found a home in South King County, in the city of Kent. Shukri's family accessed the food bank, and had social workers connecting them to additional resources in the community. Their family was surrounded by helpers who met them where we were at and helped them envision a brighter future in their new home.

"Kent is where we found hope. Kent is where we found a sense of belonging, a sense of safety. Kent is where I went to school, bought a home, raised children, received a doctorate, and made my community."

As an immigrant, refugee, and product of the Kent public housing system, Dr. Olow has seen and lived the challenges that so many members of our community face. She has also felt the beauty of this community which supports one another, and that supported her when her family needed it most. It is that resilient love that inspires Dr. Olow to represent the people of South King County. If elected, she will bring the voices of all residents looking to be heard and valued by our democracy to the policies and resources King County has to offer. Let’s make #herstory together by electing the first Black woman to a County Council position in Washington state history!