Nilu Jenks is the Political and Partnerships Director at FairVote Washington, and she is a dedicated community advocate committed to building a more representative, inclusive, and participatory democracy. In her role at FairVote Washington, she works with community partners, advocates, and policymakers to advance voting reforms that strengthen accountability and ensure every voter has a meaningful voice.
As a first-generation Iranian-American, Nilu has directly benefited from the freedoms this country provides. Having experienced marginalization firsthand, she is deeply motivated to protect those freedoms and to help realize the nation’s democratic ideals for the benefit of all communities. Her lived experience informs her lifelong commitment to equity, civic engagement, and public service. As a resident of North Seattle with deep ties to her community, she is committed to making Seattle more affordable, safer, and more responsive to the needs of everyday residents. Her lived experience drives her belief that our democracy works best when every voice is heard and valued. In 2023, Nilu ran for Seattle City Council District 5, bringing a people-centered vision focused on strengthening democracy, improving public safety through community-based solutions, expanding housing affordability, and supporting working families. While the campaign did not result in a win, it energized voters and elevated critical conversations about representation, inclusion, sustainability, and the role of local government in creating safer, more equitable communities.
Nilu has a strong record of grassroots and education-focused advocacy. As a board member of Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE), she co-wrote a racial equity curriculum that is being facilitated after school by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle at Roosevelt and Garfield High Schools. She has served as PTA Advocacy Chair at John Rogers Elementary School and as a Learning Coach for English Language Learner students at Mercer Middle School.
A mother of two, Nilu has invested her energy in improving local schools and ensuring the success of all children, and she has been a consistent advocate for families.
After the devastating Parkland shootings, Nilu partnered with Gun by Gun and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office in CA to help implement the nation’s largest gun buyback program, reinforcing her belief that local governments achieve better outcomes through direct community engagement. Following the Uvalde tragedy, she shared her experience with King County leaders to support ongoing efforts toward responsible, community-driven gun safety initiatives.
Nilu graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in Economics and Spanish.