FilAm TX city council member to push for minorities' representation in gov't | TFC News Texas, USA
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Rowena Waters, a name that will be remembered in Carleton, Texas history.
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It was a historic moment for Filipino-Americans in the Texas City,
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as she swore into a seat at the Carleton City Council in May.
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Born and raised in the Philippines, she moved to the United States for postgraduate studies
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and eventually launched her business in North Texas.
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I've been working with communities for a long time, even in the Philippines.
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I started social work at 11.
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So the journey of service is a long time, and it's part of who I am in the circle that I move around in.
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Waters' journey to City Council wasn't easy.
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She faced numerous challenges, from adjusting to living in a new country
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to breaking barriers in a predominantly male political landscape.
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But Waters says it was unwavering determination and dedication,
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coupled with the support she received,
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that made all the difference.
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Intense. But, you know, I'm very, very surprised I got to this point.
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And what's more surprising and amazing is the support that I got,
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not just from the Filipino community, although that was really good,
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but also from the communities around us, the ethnic communities and the locals.
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They are ready to embrace a Filipino.
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It's a great honor for all of us Filipinos,
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because many have been dreaming of,
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of representing the Filipino community in high political positions like this.
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But this is the first time in our community here in northern North Texas
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that we have a Filipino who won a place in a very prestigious city like Carrollton, Texas.
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And we're very, very proud of Rowena.
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Waters' platform puts a focus on key issues,
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such as affordable housing, education, and improving ethnic representation.
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Her ability to connect with diverse groups of people
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is seen to have played a crucial role in her campaign.
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It also convinced her to throw her hat into the political ring.
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It was thrown back at me that I've been trying to get people to run for representation.
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And then somebody threw it back at me and said,
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yeah, but you're not running.
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How can you ask other people to do it when you're not doing it?
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So I said, okay, let's give it a try. Let's give it a whirl.
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As Waters takes her place in the city council,
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she brings with her a fresh perspective
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and a commitment to inclusivity.
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For fellow Phil Amps,
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her story is a powerful reminder that no matter where one comes from,
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with hard work and determination,
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anything is possible.
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I'm happy for her and the difference she's going to make for the community.
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And I just know that she's always been a people pleaser
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and really looks out for the people that she's around.
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And I can't wait to see what she does in the next couple of years.
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She is our pride.
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She is our voice.
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And I know she's going to go on a higher height,
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being a councilwoman.
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We look forward to higher and lifting up the bar
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for the Filipino community.
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Waters also hopes to pave the way for future generations of Phil Amps
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and other minorities in public service.
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We need to be able to create something, a PAC or an organization
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wherein we support any Filipino who will run,
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regardless of what party, regardless of where.
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If you're going to run in your Filipino, you deserve our support.
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With unwavering spirit and dedication,
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Waters is seen as not only making history,
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but also shaping the future of Carleton, Texas.
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Sheryl Pickshaw, ABS-CBN News, Carleton, Texas.
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For more information, visit www.carleton.com.
