Kimberly Ellis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kimberly Ellis
Ellis speaking at the 2020 Women's March in San Francisco
Personal details
Born	Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	Jacksonville University (BA) John F. Kennedy University (JD)

Kimberly Ellis is an American activist who works to help people get involved in politics. She was the leader of Emerge California from 2010 until 2017. This group helps women learn how to run for political office.

Kimberly Ellis is known as a progressive Democrat. This means she supports ideas like helping people who are struggling and making healthcare available to everyone. She has also been part of the California Democratic Party's finance team and a leader in its African American Caucus.

Early Life and School

Kimberly Ellis was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her father was in the military, so her family moved a lot. She went to nine different schools as a child!

She lived in six different U.S. states and two other countries. She finished high school at Antilles High School near San Juan, Puerto Rico.

College and Law School

After high school, Kimberly Ellis went to Jacksonville University. She earned a bachelor's degree in English.

Later, she studied law at John F. Kennedy University. She became a lawyer after finishing law school.

Working for Change

Kimberly Ellis has worked in many different areas. She has experience in private companies and non-profit groups. She has also worked for the state government.

In 2009, the mayor of Richmond, California, asked her to join the Community Development Commission. This group helps improve the community.

Helping Women in Politics

Kimberly Ellis worked for Emerge America, a national organization. In 2010, she became the Executive Director of Emerge California. This group trains women to become political leaders.

She is also a political partner with the Truman National Security Project. This group helps leaders understand important national issues.

Her Political Ideas

Kimberly Ellis often speaks about progressive causes. She believes that Democrats should do more to help people out of poverty. She also thinks everyone should have access to healthcare.

She supported Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election.

Running for Party Leader

In 2017, Kimberly Ellis ran to become the Chair of the California Democratic Party. This is a very important leadership role in the state's political party.

Many people supported her. Seven members of the U.S. Congress endorsed her. Several unions and organizations, like the National Nurses United, also supported her. Even the Lieutenant Governor, Gavin Newsom, backed her campaign.

She also had support from progressive groups. These included the California Nurses Association and Our Revolution.

Kimberly Ellis lost the election by a small number of votes. She was defeated by Eric Bauman. People described this election as a contest between "old school" and "new school" Democrats.

Even though she supported Hillary Clinton, many supporters of Bernie Sanders welcomed her. They saw her as a leader who wanted to change the political system. In 2019, she ran for the same position again. She lost to Rusty Hicks after Eric Bauman resigned.

Awards and Recognition

Kimberly Ellis has received several awards for her work.

In 2011 and 2015, the San Francisco Commission honored her. They recognized her during Women’s History Month.

In 2012, she received an award on International Women’s Day. This award was from the Global Arts and Education group.

Honored for Electing Women

In 2014, CalNewsroom.com named her one of the "100 Most Overlooked People in California Politics." They recognized her for her important work. She helped elect many Democratic women in California.

John Hirabe from CalNewsroom.com praised her. He said she was key to getting Democratic women elected in California.

In 2012, she also received the Annie M. Powell Community Leadership Award. This award was for her work with Emerge California.

Personal Life

Kimberly Ellis has lived in California for more than 20 years. She lives in Richmond, California. She has two children.