Elise Lester

Elise Lester is a policy and legislative advisor for San José Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, where she focuses on transportation, land use and advancing equitable local policy. Her path into public service began with LGBTQ+ advocacy shaped by her own identity and the experiences of her loved ones. Elise studied political science at the University of Oregon, concentrating on campaign finance, authoritarian backsliding and the need for systemic economic reform. She later became a union organizer with Starbucks Workers United, strengthening her commitment to worker power and collective action.

As Vice President of the Silicon Valley Young Democrats and a member of the Mountain View Human Relations Committee, Elise brings a values-driven approach to leadership and is dedicated to building systems that reflect the people.