When Ukeme moved to Upper Arlington in the fall of 2018, she could not have foreseen how her daughter’s experiences as a new member of the community would inspire her deep involvement in the City she fondly refers to as the “Community of Choice” for her family. In 2021, Ukeme made history, becoming the first person of color to be elected to Upper Arlington City Council in its 103-year history, and in January of 2024, she proudly became the first person of color to be selected by her peers on Council to serve as President and Mayor for a two-year term. Since being elected, Ukeme has earned a reputation for thoughtful, inclusive leadership that gets things done.

A mother of two, Ukeme is a licensed attorney and trained engineer who has worked in both the public and private sectors. She’s known for asking the tough questions, listening with empathy, and building practical solutions that put residents first. From launching the Bob Crane Community Center and reimagining our parks to investing in infrastructure and sustainability, Ukeme has delivered real results for Upper Arlington.

Now she’s running for Re-election to finish the work of driving smart growth, strengthening neighborhoods, and ensuring a vibrant, future-ready Upper Arlington for the next generation. The Matriots are excited to stand alongside Ukeme, an incredible leader and advocate for Matrots’ values, in her campaign for re-election.