“As a queer, black man I think it is past time we reimagine what representation in our government looks like.”
- Denard Ingram
Meet Denard
Reimagining
our democracy.
Inspired by the Black Panther Party mantra “All Power to the People”, Denard pays homage to the Oakland-based movement and reminds all East Bay residents of the power we have to shape our government. As a queer, black man he lives at the intersection of several marginalized identities. Denard works to elevate the voices and experiences of those communities. At the core of Reimagining our Democracy is a movement aimed at empowering ALL the people to take back our power by expanding our civic engagement; a recognition that as our society evolves, so must the way we govern.
Denard received his B.A. in Psychology from Rollins College, and his M.A. in Child & Adolescent Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; both of which he has utilized for over a decade of public service. As a Social Worker for the City and County of San Francisco*, he knows how vital significant investments into housing, healthcare, economic equity, and the Care Economy are to many Californians. Working with individuals that are 65 and older, blind, and/or disabled, he sees first-hand the harmful impact of housing insecurity, inadequate healthcare, economic inequity, and voter disenfranchisement. Denard’s current work for the City & County of San Francisco involves coordinating a guaranteed income pilot program geared toward former foster youth, and managing all of the related program contracts.
Denard resides in West Oakland, and serves the City of Oakland* as Chair of the Housing, Residential Rent, and Relocation Board (Rent Board). The role of the Board is to enforce the City’s Rent Adjustment Ordinance, adjudicate disputes between tenants and property owners, and make legislative recommendations to the City Council regarding the city’s rent, eviction, and general housing laws. He works with Bay Area residents regularly to overcome these hardships and will continue that work as the next U.S. House Representative for California’s 12th Congressional district.
Painting by Julius dizon-cruz bautistaDenard is passionate about advocating for his tribes and manifests this through work as a member of the East Bay Young Democrats; the Black, LGBTQ, and Disability caucuses of the California Democratic Party; the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021; and volunteering with The Trevor Project. As part of his own mental health journey, Denard promotes the importance of physical, mental, and emotional self-care. He manages his work-life balance by reading, watching anime, adding to his vinyl collection, and making craft cocktails for friends. He also enjoys being surrounded by nature; one day he hopes to have a sunflower garden of his own.
Denard encourages marginalized communities across the east bay, as well as across this nation, to take back their power by expanding their civic engagement. His message:
Vote,
in everything!
BallotPedia Candidate Survey Responses
*Any reference to the City & County of San Francisco, or the City of Oakland is for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as an endorsement by either government body.