Sheng Thao is the first Hmong-American mayor of Oakland, known for her inspiring journey from homelessness to leadership. She is passionate about making positive changes in her community, focusing on affordable housing, public safety, and economic development.
Name | Sheng Thao |
Age | 39 years old (as of 2024) |
Date of Birth | July 18, 1985 |
Gender | Female |
Occupation | Politician |
Marital Status | Single |
Place of Birth | Stockton, California, USA |
Nationality | American |
Net Worth | $8 million |
Table of Contents
Sheng Thao Biography
Sheng Thao, born on July 18, 1985, is an American politician and the 51st mayor of Oakland, California. She made history as the first Hmong American to become mayor of a major U.S. city. Raised in Stockton, California, by refugee parents from Laos, she grew up in a large family of ten children. Thao’s early life was marked by poverty, and she spent time in public housing. Her life experiences, including overcoming domestic violence and homelessness, have deeply influenced her career in public service.
Sheng Thao Educational Background
Thao attended Merritt College in Oakland, where she completed an associate’s degree in legal studies. Later, she transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, earning a bachelor’s degree in legal studies with a minor in city planning. During her time at Berkeley, she co-founded the Bear Pantry, a program that provided food to hungry students.
Sheng Thao Career
Sheng Thao began her political journey working for Oakland City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan. She eventually became Kaplan’s chief of staff in 2017. In 2018, Thao was elected to Oakland’s City Council, representing District 4. Her focus included addressing Oakland’s housing crisis, public safety, and infrastructure development. In November 2022, she was elected mayor of Oakland. Since taking office in January 2023, Thao has faced challenges, including public safety concerns, homelessness, and budget deficits. Her administration has been navigating a recall election and an ongoing FBI investigation as of 2024.
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Sheng Thao Salary
As the mayor of Oakland, Sheng Thao earns an estimated annual salary of around $250,000, which reflects the typical compensation for a mayor in a major U.S. city.
Sheng Thao Awards
Sheng Thao has not yet received major awards for her role in office, her historic election as the first Hmong American mayor is a significant achievement, showcasing her leadership in breaking barriers.
Sheng Thao Age
Sheng Thao was born on July 18, 1985, she is 39 years old as of 2024.
Sheng Thao’s Personal Life
Sheng Thao’s personal life has been marked by resilience. After leaving an abusive relationship while pregnant, she raised her son as a single mother while pursuing higher education. She has openly shared her struggles with domestic violence, poverty, and homelessness, using her experiences to advocate for vulnerable communities.
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Sheng Thao Husband
Sheng Thao was previously in an abusive relationship, which she left while pregnant with her son. She is not currently married.
Sheng Thao Parents
Thao’s parents were refugees from Laos who fled the Hmong genocide. They settled in the United States and raised ten children in Stockton, California, where the family lived in poverty for much of Sheng’s early life.
Sheng Thao Siblings
Sheng Thao is the seventh of ten siblings, and her upbringing in a large, financially struggling family helped shape her perspective on issues like housing and social justice.
Sheng Thao Partner
Sheng Thao shares her life with her partner, Andre Jones. The couple’s home was raided by the FBI in June 2024 as part of an ongoing investigation.
Sheng Thao’s Net Worth
Sheng Thao’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million as of 2024. Her primary sources of income come from her political career, including her position as the mayor of Oakland.
Sheng Thao Social Media Handles
Sheng Thao is active on social media platforms where she engages with the public and shares updates about her work as mayor.
- X (Twitter): @MayorShengThao
- Instagram: @mayorshengthao
- Facebook: Sheng Thao 盛桃
- LinkedIn: Sheng Thao.