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 get ready to run for political jobs. Kimberly Ellis is known as a progressive Democrat, meaning she supports big changes to help people and solve problems.

Growing Up and School

Her Early Life

Kimberly Ellis was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the United States. Because her father was in the military, 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 in Puerto Rico, at Antilles High School near San Juan.

Her Education

After high school, Kimberly Ellis went to Jacksonville University. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in English. Later, she studied law and graduated from John F. Kennedy University.

Helping Others and Politics

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

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

Leading Emerge California

Kimberly Ellis worked at the main office of Emerge America, a national group. In 2010, she became the Executive Director of the California branch, Emerge California. This organization teaches women how to run for political office and helps them succeed.

She is also a political partner with the Truman National Security Project.

Her Political Ideas

Kimberly Ellis often speaks about progressive ideas. She believes that Democrats should do more to help people who are struggling with poverty. She also thinks everyone should have access to healthcare, like a single-payer system. During the 2016 presidential election, she actively supported Hillary Clinton.

Ellis also served on a finance committee for the California Democratic Party. She was also the Recording Secretary for the party's African American Caucus. A caucus is a group of people with shared interests within a larger organization.

Running for Party Leader

In 2017, Kimberly Ellis decided to run to be the Chair of the California Democratic Party. Many important people and groups supported her. Seven members of the U.S. Congress, several unions (like National Nurses United), and California's Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom all endorsed her. Many local leaders and progressive groups also supported her.

Kimberly Ellis lost the election by a very small number of votes to Eric Bauman. He was known as a "party insider," meaning he had a lot of experience working within the party. Even though Ellis supported Hillary Clinton, many supporters of Bernie Sanders welcomed her. They saw her as someone who was trying to bring new ideas to the party.

Awards and Recognition

Kimberly Ellis has received several awards for her work.

• In 2011 and 2015, the San Francisco Commission and Department on the Status of Women honored her for Women’s History Month.
• In 2012, she received honors on International Women’s Day from Global Arts and Education.
• In 2014, CalNewsroom.com named her one of the "100 Most Overlooked People in California Politics." They recognized her important work in helping Democratic women get elected in California.
• Also in 2012, she received the Annie M. Powell Community Leadership Award. This award celebrated her work with Emerge California.

Her Life in California

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