Meet The Team
Transportation
I believe that mobility is an important indicator of the quality of life. Whether to access healthcare, education, employment, or just basic necessities, owning a car should not be a requirement for living a prosperous life in Birmingham. Our infrastructure should be well maintained and needs to support mass transit, active transportation, and pedestrians, all while being accessible to those with varying abilities. I am proud to have been a leading advocate for the passage of a Complete Streets ordinance, initiation of the Birmingham On Demand microtransit program, and reconnecting communities by eliminating barriers posed by highways and railroads.
Public Safety
The highest calling of municipal government is to provide for the safety of its population. Delivering adequate law enforcement, fire protection, emergency response, and waste management are fundamental responsibilities of elected leadership. I believe the Birmingham Police Department (BPD), Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS), and Department of Public Works (DPW) are our most critical departments and that those employees should be regarded accordingly.
Housing & Homelessness:
Across the City of Birmingham, too many of our residents are living in substandard housing. For those who are seeking housing, the choices are few and far between. City government should be aggressive in addressing this need. That is why I have chosen to utilize a significant portion of financial resources allocated to District 5 to support clearing titles on tax-delinquent properties, developing new housing, and assisting homeowners with critical repairs.
Myeisha Hutchinson
Chief of Staff
Kimberly Phillips, MPH
Director of Operations & Engagement
Kim is a native of Kingston, Jamaica. After graduating with the first cohort of students to complete the International Baccalaureate program in Jamaica, she attended Emory University and earned a BA in International Studies and a Minor in Dance and Movement Studies. She then completed her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she enrolled participants into a research study for the Jefferson County Department Health about young women’s health decision making.
Kim is a former radio personality with The Home Team Morning Show on V94.9fm and is currently serving as the Director of Operations and Engagement for Councilor Darrell O’Quinn with the Birmingham City Council. She serves on the junior board of the YWCA, an organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting justice, freedom and dignity for all. She also consults on strategic planning initiatives for non-profits. She is a mom of two and enjoys traveling and culinary experiences.
Aahil Rajpari, MPA
Legislative and Data Analyst
Aahil Rajpari is a native to the Birmingham Metropolitan Area, having been raised in Hoover, Alabama. Upon graduation from Hoover High School as a Valedictorian, he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) studying Political Science (BA). He has also completed his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from UAB through the Accelerated Bachelors/Masters program. Throughout his time at UAB, Aahil has served on various student organizations, from serving in the Undergraduate Student Government Association to the Off-Campus Student Council at UAB. He has worked with the UAB Institute for Human Rights as a Blog Intern and Graduate Assistant and worked with the Lister Hill Center for Health Policy as both a Birmingham Policy Surveillance Intern and a Health Policy Ambassador.
Although fresh out of college, Aahil has worked with the Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative on establishing March as Arts Education Month within the City of Birmingham and has served on various volunteer organizations, serving both his Ismaili Muslim community and Birmingham through volunteer projects. He is passionate about volunteerism and improving the relationship people have with the institutions and programs he represents. Aahil enjoys spending time with his close friends and family, eating at different restaurants, and hiking around the City. Aahil currently serves as a Legislative and Data Analyst for Dr. Darrell O’Quinn, Councilor for District Five of the Birmingham City Council.
D5
Internship
Program:
- Undergraduate and graduate college students are encouraged to apply.
- Commitment for four months/one semester.
- Part-time work with flexible hours.
- Capacity to work remotely.
Are you a college student who is interested in public service? D5 is offering hands-on experience with an internship. A City Councilor’s major role is to support his or her district through the legislative work taking place in City Hall. Working with a City Councilor is one of the best ways to participate in local government.
This internship program is designed primarily for undergraduate and graduate college students seeking to serve the Birmingham community and gain hands-on experience in local government and the public policymaking process.
Councilor O’Quinn is passionate about transportation, so much of his work revolves around improving mobility options for Birmingham. The Councilor is also eager to work on education and environmental and sustainability issues that can improve our quality of life.
We encourage students with interests in these topics to apply. The Councilor accepts interns during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
