Meet Sharon
I am serving my second term in Michigan’s 56th House District, which encompasses all of Clawson, most of Troy and parts of Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Bloomfield Township. I am a 21-year resident of Troy with my husband and two daughters, both of whom are proud graduates of the Troy School District.
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Early Years
I was born in Bethpage, New York State, and my family moved us to Michigan when I was 8. I learned to face challenges head-on from an early age when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis as a child. Growing up with a disability taught me the importance of perseverance and standing up to bullies, two values that I bring to Lansing every day.
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It was growing up in Metro Detroit when I developed a keen interest in social justice and politics. A proud graduate of Michigan's public school system, I continued my education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning a BA in history.
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Deep Community Roots
After graduating, I worked for broadcasting and automotive firms in creative and problem-solving positions, including as a journalist, marketing professional, and video producer. I even spent four years living in Tokyo, Japan, working for a television production company. That overseas experience gave me an understanding of international business practices and respect for diverse cultures.
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I have now lived in District 56 for 32 years. I met my husband while living in Royal Oak, we adopted two daughters while in Clawson, and we made Troy our family’s home in 2005.
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Becoming an Activist
I became a stay-at-home mom activist when Troy’s city council threatened to close my daughters’ beloved Troy Public Library. I will never forget how supporters of closing the library tried to divide our city by race, claiming that the library wasn’t worth saving because only Asian American families used it. I was disgusted by this sentiment, but not discouraged - it only motivated me to fight harder. I started the "Keep Troy Strong" blog and united the community to fight for and ultimately save the library.
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I used my blog again in 2012 as a leader in the successful effort to recall Troy’s embarrassingly divisive mayor. And when a city manager was caught embezzling funds and accused of abusive behavior, I demanded transparency from conservative city council members who had defended him. They refused to stop him, and it took two years for law enforcement to catch him. He was finally arrested and sentenced to federal prison for demanding bribes.
Leading From the Front
Over time I took on more formal leadership roles, co-founding Troy Indivisible during the first Trump administration and being elected co-chair and then chair of the Troy Democratic Club. I was first elected to the State House in 2022, my first time running for office, and was re-elected in 2024.
My love for our community, and my daughters' hometown, has been my guiding star. I'm fighting for a safer, more affordable future for us all - and with your help, I will keep fighting for it!
