Santa Cruz, CA, City Councilmember and Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson shares what it’s like serving her community – and the nation – as an immigrant.

As one of few Iranian-American elected officials, Kalantari-Johnson reflects on the moment she was sworn in after her re-election to city council in 2024. Her parents were able to join her for the momentous occasion, and her father, in particular, became very emotional. For him, seeing his daughter serve in elected office was so moving because it would not have been possible in their home country of Iran, where women face myriad systemic barriers that make it extremely challenging for them to work in government.

For the vice mayor, she feels a mix of pride and gratitude in serving her country – the United States – as a public servant.