By Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
Meet Uma Onwuchekwa, an incoming ninth grader for Tierrasanta who dreams of addressing housing affordability, homelessness, food insecurity, and more.
As the 2024 recipient of the “Mayor of the Day” contest held by Mayor Todd Gloria’s office, Uma Onwuchekwa spent the day learning about city government, accompanying the Mayor at press conferences, and sharing ideas with city leaders.
“As a youth and as a teenager, I have a strong passion not only to change the city but to better the nation as a whole. To invite people from across the world to make a better life, to make this nation a beacon of democracy and liberty as our founding fathers intended,” said Onwuchekwa, during his speech at City Council on June 10.
Onwuchekwa was chosen as the winner for his compelling essay, which shined a light on housing deserts, media accountability, transparent government, and enhancing educational curricula to be more engaging and accessible.
The initiative, held on June 10, aims to inspire the next generation of leaders who already exhibit interest in being a leader for the community. Runner ups, Zamir Rose from Lincoln High School, Malia Wilke from Mt. Everest Academy, and Milo Bergeron from Bird Rock Elementary also participated, spending the day with various City departments including environmental services, economic development, and transportation engineering capital projects department.
“My Mayor for a Day contest aims to foster and encourage leadership in young people living in San Diego. At age 10, I was actually a runner-up in a “Mayor for a Day” contest at the City of San Diego. Thirty-two years later, I was sworn in as San Diego’s 37th Mayor.”
Todd Gloria circa 1989, first runner up for Mayor O’Connors Mayor for the day contest. PHOTO: City of San Diego
Other opportunities Onwuchekwa got the chance to participate in include speaking to City Council, participating in the ceremony of the San Diego Airpark Project at Brown Field, and a visit with San Diego Police and Fire-Rescue departments. “These experiences were designed to inspire Uma and deepen his understanding of public service,” Mayor Gloria writes.
“Today’s experience has deepened my appreciation of the complexities of governance and the importance of public service. My mayor of the day experience has given me an opportunity to, as a young man, to reflect on how to make this city a better place,” 14- year-old Onwuchekwa said to a packed city chamber room.
“I genuinely believe that by combating issues such as homelessness, housing, and food insecurity, we can make San Diego a shining star that shows the core values of our community,” Onwuchekwa said.
