"My time at Humboldt profoundly influenced my identity and my approach to public service and community engagement. Early experiences in environmental stewardship and social justice instilled in me a sense of duty to serve others and prioritize the needs of marginalized voices,” White says.
Growing up in Burney, California, surrounded by natural landmarks like Burney Falls, White developed an early appreciation for the environment and public lands. At Humboldt, that foundation expanded into a broader understanding of how sustainability, equity, and civic participation intersect.
The University’s culture of activism and hands-on learning helped shape not only her academic path but her long-term commitment to public service and inclusive leadership. She immersed herself in both academic and campus community life. At the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology, she explored sustainability in practice, while field trips and community engagement opportunities pushed her to think globally and act collaboratively.
One of the most formative experiences came during an Outdoor Adventures trip to Bahía de los Ángeles, Mexico. What began as an outdoor excursion quickly turned into a lesson in resilience and humanity when severe storms stranded the group.
Forced to abandon their vehicles and navigate flooded terrain, the students relied on each other and the generosity of local residents. Despite their own losses, community members provided food, shelter, and care. This experience profoundly impacted White, shaping her understanding of humility, global connection, and the power of community during crises.
Back in Arcata, her daily life reflected similar values. She lived at an alternative community space on Spear Avenue with a shared organic garden that welcomed travelers from around the world, called the World Peace House. It was a place grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and shared responsibility, principles that would later guide her professional and civic life.
Like many Humboldt alumni, White chose to make Arcata her permanent home.
“The close town–gown relationship between the University and the City of Arcata created a sense that students were truly part of the broader community, reinforcing the feeling that this was a place where collaboration, civic engagement, and shared responsibility mattered,” White says.
That connection between campus and community is visible today in local leadership. Four of the five current members of the Arcata City Council are Cal Poly Humboldt alumni, and many past mayors and council members have been alumni, including Alex Stillman, Connie Stewart, Bob Ornales, Susan Ornales, Michael Winkler, among many others. This reflects the University’s lasting influence and graduates' continued investment in the place that shaped them.
White’s path into public service grew from a desire to ensure that all members of the community—especially those often underrepresented—have a voice.
After serving three years as a planning commissioner for the City of Arcata, she was elected as a councilmember.
“Serving three years on the commission was deeply fulfilling. But I realized that to truly have a voice at the table and influence decisions that affected these communities, I needed to run for city council,” White says.
Today, as mayor, she continues to advocate for equity, inclusion, and participatory engagement, becoming the first Latina and the only Valley West resident to serve on the council. Her approach is based on her graduate work in Participatory Action Research and a commitment to listening to community voices.
“What I value most about serving on the city council is the opportunity to advocate for equity and ensure that all members of our community are represented in local decision-making. I believe strongly in participatory engagement, creating space where residents can share their voices and feel that their concerns matter,” White says.
In addition to her role on the Council, White serves as executive director of Comunidad Unida del Norte de Arcata/Community United of North Arcata, a bilingual initiative focused on equity, disaster preparedness, and building a more representative community in the Valley West neighborhood and beyond.
Whether advocating for housing access, supporting unhoused residents, or strengthening neighborhood connections, her work reflects a consistent focus on dignity, representation, and community resilience.
Looking back, White sees her time at Humboldt as foundational. The combination of rigorous academics and immersive, hands-on learning experiences shaped her understanding of civic responsibility and her commitment to meaningful engagement. The lessons she learned in classrooms, in community spaces, and in moments of challenge continue to guide her approach to leadership today.
Now, as a community leader and resident, White remains connected to Arcata, dedicated to collaboration, thoughtful governance, and ensuring every voice is heard. In Arcata, she has found a home and an opportunity to foster the community spirit she cherished as a student.