Born and raised in Silicon Valley, Ellen Kamei is the daughter of a Chinese and Puerto Rican American mother from New York City and a third-generation Japanese American father born at Heart Mountain Internment Camp in Wyoming.
Inspired by community service since youth, Ellen began volunteering in elementary school and hasn’t stopped since. Driven to service, her career has taken her from Japan to the East Coast and back home to Mountain View. Ellen’s professional experience spans city, county, state, and federal government. In November 2018, Ellen was elected to the Mountain View City Council, Member-At-Large and in 2020 began serving as the Vice Mayor.
In her own words
CHANGE MEANS: Learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Change pushes us outside of what we know and that is when we grow.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW THEN: Do not get discouraged! Do the hard work, put your head down, and keep trying even when you doubt yourself. It will pay off!
WAKE-UP CALL: Giving one too many people the benefit of the doubt. At some point, we need to accept people for who they really are when they show us their true colors.
ACTION ITEM: To make life as an elected official more female and family friendly. Earlier this year, I added free feminine hygiene products at City Hall and all staff facilities. I hope to expand on more items to make life as an elected official more balanced.
WHO I LOOK UP TO: Young women of color who are civically engaged. Their spirit inspires me to be a better public servant and pay it forward as much as I can.
BIG PLANS: Encourage even more women to run for office, get involved, and feel supported!