“I believe immigration and diversity make Philadelphia better, and we need to make sure that immigrants – especially those who have been overlooked – are well represented in government. As a mother, a child of an immigrant, and a legislator representing West and Southwest Philadelphia, I am frightened and angered by the rise of anti-immigrant, xenophobic sentiment in our politics. Now more than ever, Second Generation’s mission and the values our country is based on – fairness, equality, and diversity – are vital, and I look forward to working alongside you.” - Jamie Gauthier
ENDORSED FOR PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL, 3rd District
Jamie Gauthier is a mother, activist, urban planner, and the daughter of a Caribbean immigrant.
Jamie grew up in West Philly and has spent her entire life building bridges between communities as an urban planner, community activist, and elected official.
After graduating from Central High School, Jamie received her undergraduate degree in Accounting from Temple University and her Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2019, she left her position as Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy in order to run for City Council in Philadelphia’s 3rd District. Jamie succeeded in defeating an incumbent whose family had held the seat for 45 years. She has spent her first term fighting for quality education, good jobs, and access to public spaces in the 3rd District and beyond. Jamie has proven herself to be a champion of fairness, equality, and justice.
Working to improve education
Before her election in 2019, Jamie joined a program called INROADS, which helped students of color earn internships that would lead to good-paying jobs. Jamie later founded Mommy Grads, an organization dedicated to helping single moms handle the struggles of raising children while attending college. The organization provided mentorships and stipends to ensure women graduated and succeeded.
As a member of City Council, Jamie has worked to increase funding for Philadelphia’s schools and has partnered with local institutions to invest more resources per year into every public school in the 3rd District.
Working to create good jobs
Jamie previously served at Philadelphia Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), where she helped create good-paying jobs for Philadelphians. She is particularly proud of her work to support bringing the West Philly-based Center for Culinary Enterprises to life, a commercial kitchen that provides local food vendors with safe, clean kitchen space. Jamie also served as the Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, where she helped local businesses become more environmentally sustainable and secure city contracts.
As a member of City Council, Jamie has worked to expand programs, such as the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, that train unemployed and underemployed residents for family-sustaining jobs within local medical and educational institutions. She has brought businesses and jobs back to the community by securing investments for equitable development in all of the 3rd District’s commercial corridors, including 52nd Street, Lancaster Avenue, Woodland Avenue, and 60th Street.
Working to create green space
As the former Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, Jamie worked with over 100 volunteer park friends groups to steward and care for neighborhood parks across the city. She also led the Conservancy in carrying out improvements in West Fairmount Park. Jamie knows we must give our children safe places to grow and play.
As a member of City Council, Jamie has pushed for increased investments in Philadelphia’s parks and public green spaces.
Fighting for fairness, equality, and justice
West Philly shaped Jamie's life, and inspired her to dedicate her career fighting for fairness, equality, and justice. From helping single moms get through college, to helping organizations create good-paying jobs, to creating more green space in Philly, Jamie Gauthier has the experience, the fresh ideas, and the drive to deliver for our communities.
Visit jamieforphilly.com for more info.