11/04/2022
In case you missed what makes me qualified.
Hello my name is Virginia Coffey.
Saw a question posted, what makes me a qualified candidate for this position? I think this is a great time to share again.
First, I am from the area, I live in District 1, so I know what are some of the struggles in the area.
But that’s not all. I went to Saint Mary’s College of California where I obtained my Bachelors of Arts in Liberal and Civics Studies and a Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2006. I was part of a cohort in the Teachers for Tomorrow program. I was also part of the High Potential Program that is geared towards assisting first generation going to college to stay in college. I became an active member of my college, doing community service in nearby schools, and joining clubs such as Hermanas Unidas. Participating in Latino Culture Nights, assisting the School of Education in their scholarship fundraisers. At St Mary’s all students “enter to learn; leave to serve.”
After graduation, I worked as a Reading Intervention Teacher in Elk Grove Unified at Charles E. Mack Elementary. The following year I was hired at Yolo High School as a long term substitute teacher for English (about 5 months). I was hired to be the 6th grade teacher for Westfield Village and the following year was their 4th grade teacher. Unfortunately recession took place and a lot of teachers were laid off - I was one of them. As a result, I became a part time tutor for English and Math. Still helping some of my students from years past.
In 2012 I started to work for the State. I learned about statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures and how to write and interpret laws. I did trainings on California Statutes and Regulations for my division and other state agencies. I collaborated with various agencies and programs to ensure program integrity was upheld. I have lots of experience in working on many different projects with people from different work backgrounds to reach a common goal. I have been a manager for the State of California for over 8 years. In those years, I have created a culture of trust and have helped many staff find their purpose in state service.
More recently I helped build the West Sacramento Bears Football and Cheer program. This program was literally built within months (late April to be exact) to ensure the boys and girls of West Sacramento had an alternative program to play football and cheer. I am currently the Treasurer on the Executive Board. As a board member, I wrote the bylaws of the organization. If you read them, you will see that I strategically added academics and community building (this was even before I decided to run) as an important piece of being a West Sac Bear. Each one of our youth come from different parts of West Sacramento, but we are all West Sac!
So, why am I running? I am not running because I see a problem. In fact I see opportunity for more growth and positive changes. I am running because like my parents, I have a sense of pride for my community and I want to give back to the place that has helped make me who I am. I hope you see why many others support me for this position, like the West Sacramento Teachers Association and many others.
I am a Bryte Knight, a Golden State Warrior, a River City Raider, a Saint Mary’s Gael, a Yolo Eagle, a Westfield Village Star, a West Sac Bear, a mother, a friend, and your neighbor.
