By: Ashmar Mandou

On Monday, Humboldt Park business owner and social entrepreneur Theresa Siaw announced her candidacy to run for Alderwoman for the 26th Ward of Chicago to unseat current alderman Roberto Maldonado. Siaw served on the advisory board of Centro Romero from 2013 to 2015, which assist immigrants and refugees achieve self-sufficiency. Siaw has lent her time and efforts in many community based programs such as Kids Soccer, Vida Sida (community center which assists people with living with aids), local community back-to-school programs and the food pantry at New Life Covenant Church Southeast, where she has been a member since 2010. Siaw currently directs OMNI Healthcare, a multi-location health clinic for the underserved and runs OMNI Medical Student Training, which assists students who have trained at foreign medical schools prepare for residencies in the United States. “My vision is a community where there is less crime, less hate, more opportunity, and better access to a quality education and healthcare. My vision for all of us is a community without gang violence—a community where our children don’t see gangs as a viable option for their future. We need to create educational and economic opportunities and fill abandoned storefronts with thriving businesses for all,” said Siaw. “We deserve a member of the city council who values each of us equally—whether you are a million dollar property owner, or a struggling, hard-working resident whose family has called our community home for generations. This is what has been lacking. A vision for a community that considers each of you, considers all of us and strives to improve the quality of life for everyone.”