Meet Izola
Rooted in Service
Izola’s family history is a story of progress and perseverance. Her father made history by desegregating his high school at 16. He had to be escorted by the National Guard just to attend class for protection. He went on to serve in the Navy and worked as a federal employee for 40 years—inspiring Izola’s career in public service. Her mother worked at Planned Parenthood before Roe v. Wade, connecting women with safe resources and trustworthy information. Her Mother went on to become one of the first Black women Deans at M.I.T. Izola’s grandfather, a Pullman Porter, organized the country’s first Black union, opening doors to the middle class for thousands of families.
Izola grew up in Cambridge, MA. At the end of her junior year in high school, bad housing policy enacted by their elected leaders led to extreme rent hikes, and Izola’s family was forced to move out of their home and jurisdiction, which also threatened her education. Izola’s lived experience of being priced out of her community and truly understanding the consequences of housing instability shaped her belief that everyone deserves safe, attainable, stable housing, and it is essential for our community to thrive.
Izola is a proud alumna of Howard University (Go Bisons!), where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a dual degree in Political Science and History. Upon graduation, Izola went on to receive her master’s degree in Economics and Community Development from Johns Hopkins University. Her experiences at these two prestigious universities led her to serve throughout western and southern Africa, where she spearheaded community economic development projects in some of the world’s most impoverished places. She additionally lived in France and Italy.
Izola moved to Rockville more than a decade ago. After initially meeting her husband-to-be at Howard University, she ran into him again years later at a Rockville grocery store, and the couple got married shortly after.
In 2023, Izola was elected by her neighbors to serve on the Rockville City Council, where she has been a champion for working families seeking a local government that will fight to protect them.
A Life of Service and Advocacy
Izola is a proud Howard University alumna (Go Bisons!), graduating Magna Cum Laude with a dual degree in Political Science and History. She earned her Master’s in Economics and Community Development from Johns Hopkins University, where she deepened her commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities. Her education took her across the globe, spearheading economic development projects in western and southern Africa and living in France and Italy.
After moving to Rockville more than a decade ago, Izola reconnected with her now-husband (whom she first met at Howard) in a local grocery store. They’ve called Rockville home ever since.
In 2023, Izola was elected to the Rockville City Council, where she has championed working families, securing record-setting investments in affordable housing, local schools, and top-notch city services.
Fighting for Working Families
Izola’s career has always been about standing up for others. At FEMA, she spent over a decade helping local governments prepare for and recover from disasters. At NIH, she kept families safe by sharing critical public health information. She also organized her workplace, expanding union efforts and building solidarity among federal workers.
But this year, Izola’s federal career came to an abrupt end when the Trump Administration targeted public servants like her—people who fought for working families with integrity and commitment. That moment only deepened her resolve.
Since then, Izola has continued to fight for her community. As a Commissioner for Montgomery County’s Housing Opportunities Commission, she oversees a $377 million budget, developing thousands of affordable homes for families across the county. She helped lead the successful fight to raise Montgomery County’s minimum wage in 2017 and championed the Montgomery County Racial Equity and Social Justice Act in 2019, ensuring no one is left behind.
A Champion for Montgomery County
Izola knows firsthand how political decisions can upend lives—because she’s lived it. Losing her job didn’t break her; it inspired her to fight even harder. She understands, in a way most politicians never will, how policies impact families and communities.
That’s why Izola is running for County Council: to be the champion Montgomery County needs. She’s ready to stand up for working families, protect our schools, expand affordable housing, and ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
Izola Shaw is more than a leader—she’s a fighter, an advocate, and a voice for the people of Montgomery County.