SPOTLIGHT
Every few weeks we will spotlight one of our commissioner/board members so you have an opportunity to get to know the Sheriff's Department Oversight Board board members.
This week we spotlight Member Ovava Afuhaamango.
Tell us a little about yourself:
Born and raised in San Francisco, Ovava comes from a large Tongan and Samoan community. Leveraging her lived experience with incarcerated family members, coupled with her work experience in Marketing (i.e. storytelling) and strategy, Ovava hopes to use both experience and skillset to center in-custody clients and families as a Board member.
Why did you want to become a commissioner/board member?
I joined because I was tired of seeing loved ones and community members dehumanized by a cruel legal system we inherited and continue to pay for with our taxes. I hope to inspire others to actively participate in civic engagement and hope to pass on a better system for my kids and grandkids with the work I do today.
What do you want to accomplish as a commissioner/board member?
I hope to engage impacted communities through the accessibility of information (e.g. Board website, Social Media, and News Media). I’m inspired by the work done by LA Civilian-led Oversight Boards and I hope to mirror some of their work here in SF.
And finally, since this is social media, a fun fact question: you have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
My go-to karaoke song is Mariah Carey's “Always Be My Baby”. I’m not the best at it, but I love singing it. Lol
Thank you for letting us get to know you a bit better, Ovava. We look forward to seeing great things from you and the Sheriff's Department Oversight Board!