Karla Brown
Council member, City of Pleasanton
The City of Pleasanton
“If government exists in a vacuum, we will be missing the great ideas from the community.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Married at 20 years old while still in college. Had my first daughter at 23 years old.
Finished my college degree at 24 years old with a 1 year old.
Battled and won against a life threatening cancer at 25 years old.
Started working outside the home at 26 and was fast tracked in my career because I knew I could do a better job than others doing the job now. I was promoted numerous times but had to change jobs.
Competed with all men in a technical sales field of multi-million dollar equipment sales to the semiconductor industry. I won both national and worldwide awards. and earned a LOT of money.
Took 4 years off to raise my daughters, then switched to real estate to work locally.
Was part of a lawsuit to sue PG&E, and we won. Helped collect signatures to go to the ballot for permanent ridgeline protection. We won.
Ran for City Council in 2010, lost. Ran again in 2012 and earned first place. Ran again in 2016 and got more votes than any council member in the history of Pleasanton.
Education
High School
Armijo High School
Armijo High School
Bachelor
Business/Commerce, General
San Jose State University
Business/Commerce, General
San Jose State University
Career
Council member, City of Pleasanton
I'm a policy maker for the City of Pleasanton; approve a budget, approve labor contracts, review / approve Specific Plans.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Government
Politics
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
I check email from my city's email address daily. I try to respond to each email written by a resident that I receive. If they are passionate about an issue, I may ask for a personal meeting to discuss their concerns in person. At a minimum, I thank them for submitting their feedback. If the email is about a problem in town, I will request support from City Staff to address the problem.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Look at the options and get involved. Partner with a leader you respect and ask them out for coffee. Follow-up on their promises to help you. Keep in touch with leaders is key to your success.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Business/Commerce, General
Business/Commerce, General
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"That my goals were not representative of the community as a whole. That I was a "one issue" candidate for office. "
Challenges I Overcame
Time
