March is Women’s History Month, and in Anchorage, the best way to celebrate is by taking action and voting for four strong women on the Anchorage municipal ballot by April 7: Anna Brawley, Sydney Scout, Janice Park, and Rachel Blakeslee.
Women have always played a central role in shaping this city. We’ve organized PTAs and neighborhood councils, built small businesses, raised families, advocated for safe schools and reliable services, and stepped forward into public leadership when our communities needed us most. Anchorage is stronger because women have always shown up — not for recognition, but to get the work done.
It makes sense, then, that when women lead in public office, our city is stronger for it. Electing women to local office isn’t symbolic. It’s practical. Research consistently shows that women in leadership emphasize collaboration, pragmatic problem-solving, and policies that strengthen families and communities.
The four women running for the Anchorage Assembly and School Board this year share a commitment to steady leadership, safe and stable neighborhoods, strong public education, and a local government that listens and delivers results. Each brings a track record of service and a clear focus on the issues that shape daily life for Anchorage families.
Anna Brawley is seeking re-election to the Assembly, continuing her work on behalf of Spenard, Turnagain, Sand Lake, Bayshore, and Southport with a focus on delivering practical results for Anchorage residents. She has worked to cut red tape to expand housing and support local businesses, protect core services through balanced budgets, advance accountable solutions to homelessness, and prioritize public safety, neighborhood improvements, and local infrastructure that keep communities strong.
Sydney Scout is running to represent North Anchorage on the Assembly. A born-and-raised Alaskan and former labor organizer, she is a fierce advocate for working families who has spent her career fighting for fair wages and safer workplaces. Her commitment to local service and public safety has earned her the official endorsement of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1264, along with the Alaska AFL-CIO, several local unions, and dozens of local elected officials and community leaders. She will bring a common-sense approach to the Assembly and work to prioritize the needs of working families.
A Midtown resident for more than 26 years, Janice Park has earned the endorsement of outgoing Assembly member Felix Rivera, who currently serves in this seat. A paralegal who helps women navigate custody and divorce cases, Janice is focused on safer streets, affordable housing, and responsive city services. She will protect Midtown’s progress with a focus on delivering results for every resident.
Rachel Blakeslee is running for Anchorage School Board as a former classroom teacher, longtime public education advocate, and engaged parent who has consistently spoken up for students, families, and educators. After helping organize to successfully save her daughter’s elementary school from closure in 2024, she is committed to bringing stability, strong support for educators and students, and steady leadership that Anchorage families can rely on.
Anchorage has a proud history of women stepping forward to serve and of voters recognizing the value of that leadership. But that history also reminds us that representation must be continually renewed. Progress does not happen by accident. It happens when communities choose leaders who reflect their values and priorities.
This Women’s History Month, we have an opportunity not only to honor the women who have led before, but to support those ready to lead now. By supporting Anna Brawley, Sydney Scout, Janice Park, and Rachel Blakeslee, Anchorage voters can choose leadership that reflects our shared values: strong neighborhoods, responsive government, quality public education, and a city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The future of Anchorage will be shaped by the choices we make today. Let this Women’s History Month be not only a time of reflection, but a time for action.
Caroline Storm, Colleen Bickford, Diane DiSanto, Leslie Ridle, Mary Miner, Patti Higgins, Rev Dr Denise Sudbeck, Susan Soule, Suzanne Little, Veronica Slajer
This post is a submission to The Alaska Current. Please send submissions to news@thealaskacurrent.com.
