Lannois Carroll-Woolery
A passionate advocate for civic engagement and community representation in the Waterloo Region.
Program AdministratorFull Bio →
Who We Are
About Run4OfficeWR
Learn about our mission, our story, and the team working to make Waterloo Region's political landscape more representative.
Mission & Vision
Why We Exist
Run for Office Waterloo Region (Run4OfficeWR) was started in 2020 by representatives from the African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities in the Region of Waterloo, who wished to see greater representation by persons of colour in political offices.
Run4OfficeWR intends to increase the number of persons who identify as Black who run for political office in Waterloo Region. Regardless of political affiliation, level of government, or political experience — we wish to lower the barrier to entry for those persons who can effectively represent not only Black communities, but the entire community, for the good of all.
The Waterloo Region is a diverse, dynamic community. Its political offices should reflect that. When diverse voices lead, better decisions get made — for everyone.
Nonpartisan — supporting candidates regardless of political affiliation
All levels of government — federal, provincial, regional, municipal, school board
Open to all experience levels — first-time candidates especially welcome
Our Region By the Numbers
The Case for Representation
630K+
People living in the Waterloo Region — one of Ontario's fastest-growing communities.
2,900+
Square kilometres covered by the Waterloo Region — including cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and four townships.
2.9%
Of the region's population identifies as Black — a growing community that deserves proportional representation in all levels of government.
The People
Meet the Team
Community members dedicated to making Waterloo Region's democracy work for everyone.
Full Bio →
Tapiwa Ziyenge
Dedicated to coordinating outreach and building connections between community members and political opportunities.
Program CoordinatorFull Bio →
Marcia Smellie
Committed to empowering community members with the tools and knowledge to participate fully in democracy.
Program AdministratorFull Bio →
External Resources
Helpful Links
Organizations and resources we recommend for civic engagement and political participation.