Jasmine Zavala (Wake Forest Town Council, North Carolina, candidate 2025)

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Jasmine Zavala

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Wake Forest Town Council

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

Meredith College, 2017

Graduate

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Personal

Birthplace

Houston, Texas

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Business manager

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Jasmine Zavala is running for election to the Wake Forest Town Council in North Carolina. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Zavala completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jasmine Zavala provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on September 29, 2025:

• Birth date: February 20, 1995
• Birth place: Houston, Texas
• Bachelor's: Meredith College, 2017
• Graduate: University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Gender: Female
• Religion: Catholic
• Profession: Business Manager
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: An independent spirit guided by a passion for public service. Let’s take care of Wake Forest with equity, data & heart.
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram
• LinkedIn

Elections

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Wake Forest Town Council (2 seats)

The following candidates are running in the general election for Wake Forest Town Council on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Thomas Dement (Nonpartisan)
		Haseeb Fatmi (Nonpartisan)
		Pam James (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	R. Keith Shackleford (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Nick Sliwinski (Nonpartisan)
		Jasmine Zavala (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jasmine Zavala completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Zavala's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jasmine Zavala, and I am proud to call Wake Forest my lifelong home. I grew up here, the daughter of Mexican and Salvadorian immigrants, and today I help manage my family’s local restaurant, Los Tres Magueyes, which has served our community for 25 years. This community embraced my family's small business, giving us opportunity, belonging, and a place to grow.

I am also a wife, pet mom, and first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's in business administration and economics, and a master's in public administration.

My journey has taken me from teaching at-risk youth to working with nonprofits to serving at the federal level on policies centered around equity. These experiences taught me the value of listening, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. They also shaped my belief that strong communities are built on opportunity, representation, and heart.

Wake Forest is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes both challenges and opportunities. I am running for Town Commissioner because I believe every neighbor deserves a voice. My goal is to bridge education, small business, and public service to make sure our town grows smartly, inclusively, and in a way that reflects the community we love.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• 1. Supporting Local Small Businesses & Community Strength As the daughter of a small business owner and someone who has managed my family’s restaurant for years, I understand the challenges and importance of local businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of Wake Forest’s economy and culture. I will champion policies and partnerships that uplift entrepreneurs, celebrate our diverse community, and ensure opportunities for all families to thrive.
• 2. Smart Growth, Data-Driven Decisions Wake Forest is projected to more than double in population in the coming years. We must make thoughtful choices about housing, infrastructure, and development to ensure balance and sustainability. My vision is a town where neighbors can truly live, work, and play—with accessible housing, thriving businesses, and community spaces that reflect who we are. I believe in using data, research, and community input to guide decisions that serve the greatest number of neighbors while keeping Wake Forest’s heart and character intact.
• 3. A Voice for All Neighbors Wake Forest is growing, and with that growth comes the need for leadership that ensures every neighbor feels seen and heard. As the daughter of immigrants, a first-generation college graduate, and a small business manager, I know what it means to work hard and advocate for representation. I am committed to giving a stronger voice to families, workers, and communities who have too often been left out of the conversation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that help communities grow smartly and inclusively. That means:

Smart Growth & Infrastructure: Data-driven choices on housing, transportation, and development so Wake Forest stays a place to live, work, and play.

Representation & Equity: Ensuring every neighbor, especially underrepresented voices, has access and representation.

Small Businesses & Economy: Uplifting entrepreneurs and creating opportunities that strengthen our town.

Community & Safety: Building trust between residents, law enforcement, and organizations.

At the core is my belief in listening, collaboration, and data-informed decisions that truly reflect the people we serve.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Wake Forest Town Board of Commissioners is unique because it is the level of government closest to the people. Unlike state or federal offices, commissioners work directly with residents on issues that impact daily life—housing, zoning, transportation, small business support, parks, and public safety.

This office is especially important in Wake Forest because we are one of the fastest-growing towns in the nation, with a rapid move-in ratio that brings both opportunities and challenges. Commissioners must guide how the town grows, ensuring that infrastructure, housing, and services keep pace. The role requires being proactive, not reactive, so that growth strengthens rather than overwhelms our community.

While the office is local, its influence is broad. Commissioners set policies and priorities that ripple into the county and state, often serving as a model for collaboration, smart planning, and inclusive governance. By listening to residents and acting transparently, the office ensures that local government remains accessible, responsive, and representative of the people it serves.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The people I look up to most are my parents. As immigrants and small business owners, they built Los Tres Magueys from the ground up. The restaurant provided a roof over our heads, food on the table, and the foundation for our family’s future. For more than 25 years, they have worked tirelessly while also serving the Wake Forest community.

Their example taught me hard work, perseverance, and humility. But even more, I admire their commitment to giving back—supporting schools, youth sports, local groups, and nonprofits that keep our town strong. They’ve shown me that true success isn’t measured only in business, but in how you uplift others.

I want to follow their example by leading with the same resilience, generosity, and heart. Like them, I believe in putting people first, serving with integrity, and creating opportunities so that our community continues to thrive.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important characteristic of an elected official is the ability to lead with integrity and accountability. Too often, decisions are made based on personal beliefs or political agendas rather than what is supported by facts, data, and the needs of the community. An effective leader must put the greater good above personal interest, relying on evidence, collaboration, and community voices to guide decisions.

An elected official should also practice humility and openness, recognizing when others have greater expertise and being willing to listen and learn. Above all, they must serve with transparency, fairness, and a genuine commitment to building trust and unity within the community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a Wake Forest Town Commissioner is to be a true public servant—leading with an open heart and mind and always putting people first. Commissioners must listen to residents, build trust, and make sure every neighbor feels heard and represented.

It is about taking care of the town with decisions that serve the greater good, not personal or political agendas. Commissioners guide policies on housing, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and economic development to ensure growth that is smart, sustainable, and inclusive.

They must also support small businesses and strengthen the local economy, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and families to thrive. Just as important is ensuring representation and equity, so that underrepresented voices have a seat at the table.

Above all, the role is about service, collaboration, and stewardship—working with town staff, leaders, and residents to make thoughtful, data-driven choices that protect Wake Forest’s character and keep it a place where people can live, work, and play.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I want to leave is one of love, service, and hope. I want to be remembered as someone who showed up with an open heart, listened to every neighbor, and worked to make sure everyone felt seen, valued, and included.

I hope people will say I helped Wake Forest grow in a way that was smart, fair, and caring—supporting small businesses, building community partnerships, and keeping our town a place where families can live, work, and play while still holding onto its character and charm.

Most of all, I want young children and others to see themselves in me. I want them to see that representation matters, that their voices matter, and that they have the power to lead and change the world. If my journey inspires even one person to dream bigger and believe in themselves, that will be the legacy I am proud to leave.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at Los Tres Magueys, my family’s Mexican restaurant here in Wake Forest. I grew up in the restaurant, but officially started working as a teenager—helping my parents with customer service, bussing tables, and learning the day-to-day operations. What began as a part-time job quickly became an important foundation in my life.

I worked there all through high school and college, and over time, my role expanded. I went from small tasks to managing staff, overseeing operations, and leading marketing efforts. The restaurant not only supported me through school, but also taught me lifelong values of hard work, perseverance, and service to the community.

Being raised in a small business gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges families face and the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs. That experience continues to drive my commitment to small businesses and to representing the voices of hardworking families in Wake Forest.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite books are the Harry Potter series. I actually began reading them as an adult, and I was surprised by how deeply they spoke to me. On the surface, they’re magical stories full of wonder and childlike innocence—but beneath that, they hold wisdom and life lessons that resonate at any age.

I connected strongly with Harry’s journey of loss, belonging, and resilience. Like him, I know what it feels like to struggle with fitting in, to search for where you belong, and to lean on the strength of friendship and community. His story reminded me that even in the face of challenges, courage and compassion can change lives.

What makes the series powerful for me is how it balances imagination with truth. It teaches that love, loyalty, and hope are stronger than fear. It’s a reminder that ordinary people—even those who feel unseen or underestimated—can rise up, find their voice, and make a difference. Those lessons stay with me not just as a reader, but as a person who wants to bring that same spirit of resilience and unity into my own community.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Lilo from Lilo & Stitch. She’s quirky, compassionate, and has a big heart that sees the good in others—even when they feel like outsiders. I relate to her sense of being different but still choosing to lead with kindness, empathy, and creativity.

Lilo reminds us of the importance of ohana—family—and community, and that love and acceptance can bring people together in powerful ways. Her story is about resilience, belonging, and seeing beauty in imperfection, which are values I try to live by every day.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of my biggest struggles has been learning to find my place and my voice as a first-generation daughter of immigrants in a community where I often felt different. Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me in leadership or decision-making roles. That sometimes made me question whether I belonged or whether my voice mattered.

At the same time, working in my family’s restaurant while balancing school taught me perseverance, empathy, and the value of hard work. Those experiences showed me firsthand the challenges that many families face and the sacrifices they make to create better opportunities.

While it wasn’t always easy, that struggle shaped me into someone who listens deeply, values representation, and is determined to create spaces where every neighbor feels welcome, heard, and empowered.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One of the lesser-known responsibilities of the Wake Forest Town Board of Commissioners is just how much influence it has on day-to-day quality of life. While many people think of local government as distant, commissioners directly shape decisions about zoning, development approvals, budgeting, and land use that determine what gets built in our neighborhoods, where businesses can grow, and how our town looks and feels.

Another area often overlooked is the Board’s role in budgeting and resource allocation. Commissioners decide how town funds are spent—on things like parks and recreation, road improvements, public safety, and community programs. These decisions have a direct and immediate impact on families, neighbors, and local businesses.

It’s also important to note that commissioners have the power to set the tone for community engagement. They can create space for residents to be heard, build partnerships with local organizations, and push for policies that ensure inclusivity and transparency. These “soft powers” may not always make headlines, but they are critical to how responsive and connected a community feels.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I don’t believe it is strictly necessary to have held elected office before serving as a Town Commissioner. What matters most is a deep commitment to the community, the ability to listen, and the willingness to make decisions based on facts, collaboration, and the greater good.

That said, my own background has given me a valuable perspective. I have worked in government at the federal, state, and local levels, and I’ve advocated for equity-centered policies while also collaborating with nonprofits to fill gaps where government could not always meet community needs. I’ve also worked behind the scenes to support leaders and programs, gaining firsthand experience in how policy is shaped and implemented.

Running for office has long been a dream of mine because I believe in representation that reflects the community. This role is not about politics for me—it’s about service, advocacy, and ensuring every neighbor has a voice in the decisions that shape Wake Forest. Previous political experience can be helpful, but it is not what defines effective leadership. Dedication, empathy, and the ability to bring people together are the true qualities that matter.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I believe the most important skills for a Town Commissioner are not only technical, but also personal. An open mind and an open heart are essential, along with a willingness to engage in honest conversations—even with those we may not agree with. Leadership requires humility, the ability to listen deeply, and the courage to seek common ground.

As a former teacher, I bring the ability to educate, explain, and break down complex issues so neighbors can understand how decisions affect them. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are vital to ensure residents feel heard, respected, and included in shaping solutions.

I also recognize that I may not know everything—and that’s okay. Wake Forest has incredible specialists, town staff, and a community of smart, driven individuals. I am excited to work alongside them, learn from their expertise, and bring people together to make thoughtful, informed decisions.

While knowledge of budgeting, planning, or policy is helpful, I believe empathy, collaboration, inclusivity, and the ability to educate and connect are the true qualities that make a commissioner effective.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

The Wake Forest Town Board of Commissioners is unique because it is the level of government closest to the people. Commissioners make decisions that impact residents’ daily lives—from zoning and housing to public safety, parks, and small business support.

This office is especially important in Wake Forest because we are one of the fastest-growing towns in the nation. The Board guides how the town grows, ensuring that infrastructure, services, and resources keep pace. Commissioners must be proactive rather than reactive so growth strengthens our community without losing the character that makes Wake Forest special.

Another quality that makes this office unique is its direct accountability to residents. Commissioners meet regularly with the public, set policies that affect neighborhoods right away, and allocate budgets that decide how tax dollars are invested locally. Their role is both practical and visionary—protecting quality of life today while planning for the Wake Forest of tomorrow.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One accomplishment I am most proud of is my education. As a first-generation college student, earning my degree was not easy. I balanced classes with working to pay my way through school, and I leaned on the support of my family to get through. That experience showed me the true power of knowledge—the doors it can open and the opportunities it can create.

Education gave me the chance to not only build a better future for myself, but also to become an advocate for others. I went on to become a teacher, and some of my proudest moments have been seeing myself in my students—especially those who were at risk or struggling—and helping them discover their own potential.

I believe education is more than just academics; it is empowerment. It gave me a voice, a platform, and the ability to inspire others to dream bigger. That is why I carry my own journey with pride and why I continue to fight for opportunities so others can access the same power that education gave me.

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