Who is Athena Clarke?
Candidate for City Council District 46
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Athena Clarke is a proud first-generation American whose roots trace back to Jamaica and the West Indies. She grew up in District 46, where she’s now running for City Council—attending P.S. 203, Roy H. Mann Middle School, and Sheepshead Bay High School. Her upbringing shaped a deep appreciation for public service, education, and community.
Career & Civic Journey
Athena's passion for working with children led her to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood General Education and Students with Disabilities from Brooklyn College, followed by a Master’s Degree in School Building and District Leadership. She dedicated seven years to the New York City Department of Education, where she served as a tenured teacher, and even fulfilled her lifelong dream of publishing a children’s book.
In 2021, when the city implemented a COVID-19 vaccine mandate—after Athena had already worked in-person through an entire school year—she was terminated without due process, despite her tenure. This blatant violation of New York State Education Law catalyzed her transition from educator to advocate.
Why She’s Running
Athena Clarke is not a career politician. She’s a citizen who refused to stay silent when injustice hit home. Her wrongful termination, and the silencing of thousands of other city workers, revealed a troubling truth: government overreach has replaced fairness, and due process has been stripped from everyday New Yorkers. Athena launched her campaign to restore justice, demand accountability, and ensure this never happens again. She is stepping up to be a voice for the voiceless—especially for parents, civil servants, and working people who’ve been left behind.
Athena’s Commitment:
Athena believes New Yorkers deserve leadership that fights for rights, not rules—leadership that listens, engages, and upholds the law, not circumvents it. Her first legislative priority is supporting Resolution 5: reinstating and compensating city workers unjustly fired due to the vaccine mandate.
She’s running to:
- Reinstate due process as a cornerstone of local governance
- Advocate for parental authority in education
- Restore dignity to public service
- Hold city agencies accountable to the people they serve
Values & Vision
🏛️ Fairness & Due Process — Every voice matters.
👨👩👧👦 Parental Authority — For healthy child development.
🤝 Accountability & Transparency — Government works for YOU.