Linh Headshots DeKalb Illinois April 2021
I photographed Linh’s family back in October of last year. While I absolutely LOVE family sessions, it can be hard to really get to know the parents when you are running around with the kids. Those make the best moments to capture though! I was so happy I got another opportunity to work with Linh last week and really get to know her. Our conversation was inspiring and I felt like to have met Linh. She is someone who genuinely cares about her community and wants to make a difference not only for her children, but for everyone. She wants to give a voice to POC, women, and younger voters.
She will be running for the County Clerk Office in DeKalb. While I am no longer a DeKalb resident and cannot vote for her myself, I wanted to share her message with those who can! She is just beginning her campaign and is currently working on her website. She is hoping to have it up soon so you can learn about her and what her platform will be. In the meantime, you can donate to help make sure her campaign is successful!
I asked Linh to write up something about herself because I feel like it is much more impactful to have her message come from her.
You know me best as a chemistry instructor at NIU. Here are some side hustles I do besides being an educator in higher-Ed. I am a spouse, a mother, a local activist, an American Youth Soccer Organization coach, and the President of the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County, IL. (My term ends in May 2021. I cannot run for office while being the LWV president).
These most recent events helped me realize the power I hold as a minority leader in a small community like Dekalb. I used my leadership position to call on local politicians to speak out against anti-Asian racism. A few responded. However, many of the DeKalb government elected officials had said nothing to address the rise in anti-Asian harassment in the last year, including the violent attack in Atlanta. I have waited long enough for someone else to speak out for my communities and me. It is up to me to lead the change I want to see. I am going to run for office because representation matters. It’s time people see elected officials who look like me.
The County Clerk Office is in charge of two things: record keeping and elections. The people’s votes won’t matter, and nothing will change until we have fair elections. My training as a scientist with data-driven decision-making ability and my experience as the LWV president will deliver fair elections. As for the recorder responsibility, I want all the vital documents (birth certificate, death certificate, marriage license, liquor license, gambling license, property tax bills, land records, farm drainage maps, and more) to have my name: LINH NGUYEN, on them. It’s time people open their minds to the fact that it is an American signature character to see a name you can’t pronounce. More importantly, these records hold our history and need to be cared for properly. Elected someone like me who respects ALL aspects of the County Clerk Office is crucial for our Democracy and our American culture.
I am counting on you and people who think like you to help get me elected to the County Clerk Office.
