Making Political Waves
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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.
Gerly has always been compassionate about people and passionate about service. She knows that fighting for fairness means ensuring individuals and families have access to the resources they need to have a better life. She wants to continue the fight to improve education, economic development and quality of life for the people of Everett.
Gerly attended Bentley University and has 8 years of experience in finance, non-profit and healthcare. She is currently a Finance Manager for a healthcare institute and is also a candidate for her MBA at Boston University, focusing on Strategy and Health Sector Management. Previously, she worked at JPMorgan Chase, United South End Settlements, and at the U.S. Department of Defense for the Inspector General of the Navy.
Gerly is also a small business owner of Tipping Cow Ice Cream Shop in Somerville, which provides nut-free and dairy-free options, with her husband, David Lindsey. In her free time she enjoys baking, traveling and watching movies.
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!
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MEET THE HOST: NIKKI INNOCENT
I’ve never been one to be put in a category or fit under one label so here are a few descriptors I identify with: Connector. Empath. Inclusion Advocate. Creator of Safe Spaces in the Gray Area. Women’s Leadership Coach. Hype Woman. Story Fiend. Lover of Conversation. Former Corporate Marketer.