By Kathy Groob, Publisher ElectWomen Magazine

Even though she worked in government for 16 years prior to running for Boston City Council, Ayanna Pressley considered a run for council out of her reach.  “You never believe you are ready or are good enough,” says Pressley.  Boston’s record of female candidates is dismal and when Pressley looked at the race in 2009, her mother had cancer and she knew it would be an uphill battle.

Ayanna Pressley defied the odds and won her election in 2009 and in a field of 15 candidates.  She was the only woman. Sworn into office on January 4, 2010, she became the first African American woman to ever serve on the city council.  Since day one, Ayanna Pressley has been a force for women and for citizens who have never before had a voice.  She’s up for re-election this November and again, she must battle the odds against establishment candidates.

“We are all one community and we have a moral imperative to work on broad issues at the local level,” says Pressley.  “I want to help break poverty cycles, focus on local education issues and on our local economy.”

Ayanna Pressley believes she can cut across socioeconomic lines when it comes to talking with and garnering the support of her constituents.  “They want someone who is a stateswoman, ability to be a professional, and to lead,” says Pressley.  “I want to continue to make sure this city works for every family model.”

With the retirement of the only other woman on Boston’s City Council, Pressley will be the only woman on the council.  Pressley does not underestimate the importance of having at least one woman on council. “It is important that government reflect the diversity of the community—women and minorities,” says Pressley.

Pressley is confident that the voters will return her to the city council to continue her work on issues that have not ever before been addressed at the city level.  Issues like poverty, drug addition, violence and challenges that go along with single parenthood.

“I’m not just a woman, I’m the right woman,” adds Pressley.

To learn or contribute to Ayanna Pressley’s campaign, click here.