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Rysheema Dixon Announces Candidacy for Wilmington City Council President
At-Large Councilmember & Wilmington Business Owner Pledges Unity and Inclusion
Wilmington, DE — Wilmington City Council Member At-Large Rysheema Dixon announces her candidacy for President of Wilmington City Council with a pledge of “Uniting Wilmington” to create a culture of collaboration between Council members and the Administration, with leadership that fosters results. Dixon is poised to lead Wilmington’s City Council members in a new direction to improve economic support for small and large business enterprises and increase the well-being of residents and families.
“I am determined to foster a healthy, safe, and prosperous environment for residents in the City of Wilmington from all walks of life,” said Dixon in making her announcement. “In order for communities and businesses to thrive, we must work hand-in-hand. All branches of government are accountable to the public who elect us. We have major challenges to overcome but there is also tremendous opportunities to build the Wilmington we all envision together.”
Dixon was elected to Council in 2016 and chairs the Community Development and Urban Planning Committee (CDUP). Her experience in community development work in Wilmington and beyond provides a solid framework for tackling difficult issues related to community and economic/career development.
She co-founded the Healthy Communities Subcommittee through CDUP Committee which is working tirelessly to combat issues surrounding housing access and affordability. Because of her concerns for one of our most vulnerable populations, the elderly, Dixon also serves on the Health, Aging and Disabilities Committee. She also serves on the Cable, Video and Telecommunications Committee, which focuses on our local government stations including WITN 22, Comcast Channel 28, and Red Clay School District Educational Channel, ensuring Wilmington residents have access to educational programming.
She began her career in public service in 2009 as an AmeriCorps Public Ally. Dixon furthered her understanding and commitment to inclusion working with women entrepreneurs at Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India. There, she witnessed community members working together to create significant and lasting change, an experience that spurred her to return to Wilmington with an even stronger desire to serve others.
Dixon is the founder and owner of RD Innovative Planning, serving clients in the public and private sectors such as Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, Nemours Health and Prevention Services, Christiana Care, State of Delaware, AARP and numerous other agencies throughout the state. As the head of a woman-owned business enterprise, she understands the needs of an entrepreneur, and the importance of public-private partnerships to spur economic development. Dixon is an adjunct professor at the University of Delaware where she teaches Social Entrepreneurship. She has a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development International Policy and Management.
“United We Serve Wilmington is not simply a campaign motto, but the manner in which I plan to govern. It’s my core belief and how I will lead as Council President,” Dixon said.