California Forward has named Heidi Sieck a Forward Thinker for her work to make the process of filling board and commission seats more transparent and her efforts to encourage more women to run for elected office.
This year she helped write legislation in San Francisco requiring that every single board and commission seat or other public appointed office be posted on a website. The post must include the available seat, term limits, and when and where someone can apply.
“It makes it easier for any busy person – folks who are interested in service – to find opportunities, so they can get appointed to that board or committee and become a political leader,” says Sieck.
Sieck is most passionate about advancing women as elected leaders. She wants to see structural changes that encourage women to pursue elected office, as well as programs that deal with the economic problems many women face.
“There’s a structural and inherent organizational issue that half of humanity is not being included in the conversation to ensure we are making excellent public policy,” Sieck says.
To read Heidi’s full profile, go to our Forward Thinkers page. You may also tell us about a Forward Thinker you know in your community.