As the first Black, Haitian American city councilor at-large in the city of Everett, MA, Gerly Adrien has experienced an inordinate amount of push-back from her colleagues even as she attempts to speak in the time allotted to her. After receiving the the highest number of votes in the 2019 election, her voice represents more of her constituents than her fellow elected city council members. However the older, whiter council has time and time again silenced her and called for her to be less “aggressive“ in her tone and tactics of shining a light on systemic oppression of non-majority voices. Nikki & Gerly dive into the dynamics at play in this arena and how Gerly’s background has made her up for the challenge. As the embodiment of a multi hyphenate leader, Gerly’s approach to doing the best you can, in all the ways that you can, for as long as you can shines through. As a politician, landlord, healthcare executive, small business owner and philanthropist, Gerly exemplifies the importance of serving others, and she has carried that value with her throughout her life. If you are considering running for office or stepping into the lead in a new facet of your life, this conversation is for you! Show notes: https://www.nikkiinnocent.com/podcast/podcast-episodes/gerlyadrien