We recently connected with Corey Gibson and have shared our conversation below.

Corey , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

Semi Bird will bring school choice to Washington State, allowing underserved families an opportunity to move their children to non-failing schools. As Richland School Director he has several specific examples as to how he will approach education in the state.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Semi Bird is a career American who has spent a lifetime in service to his country and community. Semi started his life’s journey in the ghetto of East Oakland, California. He was born to a single mother of seven children, prior to the passing of the Civil Rights Act. ‍
Semi’s mother raised him in a Christian environment, where he was always held accountable for his actions. ‘Victim mentality’ was not to be tolerated in her household for the simple reason that Mrs. Bird believed firmly in taking control of one’s own destiny despite outside circumstances. In her eyes, this would ensure Semi and his siblings’ growth into strong, independent, resilient, and positive-contributing members of society.

Semi Bird is a veteran of both the U.S. Marines and (joining at the age of 43) the Army Special forces Green Beret.

Today Semi feels compelled by duty to serve the people of Washington State.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Semi was raised poor but with love and encouragement. He struggled in school and dropped out of high school where he joined the U.S. Marines. Always taught that hard work pays off, he went on to accomplish the following:

Senior Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador, Bangladesh.

Army Special Forces Intelligence and Operations, and Special Forces Engineer. (Green Beret Post-9/11). Bronze Star Valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (4) and several other distinctions.

Federal Director of Training & Leadership Development, U.S. Department of Energy. Additional positions held were: Federal Director of Organizational Development and Acting Chief of Staff.

Richland school board director/legislative representative

Executive Director (Behavioral Scientist) of an organizational training and consulting firm, specializing in leadership, organizational development, and performance improvement.

Associate Director of Professional Development and Community Education, Washington State University Tri-Cities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.birdforgovernor.com
• Instagram: @birdforgovernor
• Facebook: @birdforgovernor
• Twitter: @bird4governor
• Youtube: @birdforgovernor

Image Credits
Bird for Governor Campaign