The Hon. Sheng Thao

Councilmember Sheng Thao (District 4) was elected in 2018, and currently serves as Council President Pro Tem. She is a daughter of Hmong refugees, and a domestic violence survivor, who was homeless for a time as a young mother. She went on to graduate as valedictorian from Oakland’s Merritt College, transferring to UC Berkeley where she helped co-found the Bear Pantry. She joined the City Council staff and later became the first Hmong-American woman Councilmember in California history. Sheng brings her tenacity, creativity and perseverance to lead Oakland at this critical time. She has been recognized for her leadership and ability to unite stakeholders and received the 2021 Powerful Women of the Bay Award, and was honored by the Alameda Labor Council as a champion for working families. Her candidacy has united organized labor, community leaders, elected officials and big and small business.