Celestine Jeffreys

When Celestine Jeffreys, a 41-year-old volunteer, housewife and cofounder of the Fort Howard Neighborhood Association, was elected to the City Council, she became the city's first black and only black woman alderman.

Since taking a seat on the council, Celestine has taken the lead on local issues that have national importance. She combated an anti- immigration measure proposed by a fellow councilman that would have required persons applying for any kind of city license to pledge citizenship and commit to not hiring illegal immigrants. The measure was ultimately defeated in the council, thanks in large part to Celestine's well-reasoned and multi-pronged argument against it.

Celestine has also been working on a variety of local issues are critical to her district.  She has developed and implemented key infrastructure projects such as automated recycling systems, she has worked on the reconstruction of one of the city's major thoroughfares, and she has helped to design a comprehensive landlord registration program.

Jeffreys' goal is to work in partnership with city staff to put into place progressive and technologically advanced programming that helps the residents of Green Bay lead more comfortable and convenient lives.

Celestine believes that Emerge Wisconsin provided her with a wonderfully in-depth and beneficial training that helped her run for her current office and will help her as she climbs the political ladder towards a succession of higher offices.  She also believes that when it comes to women in politics, having a strong and efficient network is crucial in order to succeed.

Celestine Jeffreys embodies the type of Democratic women Emerge America recruits and train. She is a leader on issues that disproportionately impact the disenfranchised, issues like housing, crime, economic growth, and environmental justice.