Mayor Young: A Legacy of Leadership and Community Engagement in Tracy, California
The Meet Our Sheroes series celebrates women who have achieved remarkable success in their respective industries and have made a lasting influence via the lives they have lived, are currently living, and will continue to live
As a 501(c) nonprofit organisation, Global Women Power’s mission is to foster financial and social others, ending violence against women and paving the way for empowerment. Over the years, we have established strong relationships with dedicated officials such as Mayor Lily Mei, who has been a steadfast supporter of our work, and have collaborated with community leaders, including those in the City of Fremont.
In the latest edition of our Meet Our Sheroes series, we’re proud to introduce Nancy Young, an inspiring leader whose life’s mission revolves around service, empowerment, and creating positive change in her community. Nancy’s journey is one that is deeply rooted in her dedication and passion for assisting others, from her early days as a safety monitor in elementary school to her current position as the Mayor of Tracy.
Nancy’s Lifelong Commitment to Service and Leadership
Nancy’s mission began long before she entered the political arena. She recalls her early experiences, which included serving as a Sunday school teacher and youth ministry leader at the age of 11 , sparkling her lifelong commitment to making a difference. Always “looking for ways to continue to get people involved and to help others I don’t have to be the top person I just wanted to be at the table to be able to give ideas and to be able to put together things that helped others,” Nancy shares.
Nancy, a selfless leader, never sought to be the centre of attention; instead, she wanted to bring people up. After relocating to Tracy, she spent four years attending City Council sessions, taking notes and learning on the sidelines. During this period, she developed an interest in local governance and ran for Council in 2012. Her strong commitment to community service catapulted her to victory, and she has served as Tracy’s Councilmember and Mayor, emphasising ongoing progress and collaboration.
Despite her busy political career, Nancy emphasises the necessity of mentorship and continuous learning. “Even when I became a council member or mayor, I didn’t have all the answers,” she says. “There’s always room for growth, and there’s always room for Learning.” Nancy’s mentor, who broke down boundaries as the first person of colour on the Tracy City Council, was essential in guiding her journey and defining her view on leadership and service.
In addition to her local political endeavours, Nancy is dedicated to supporting larger regional causes. As a member of the ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) Board, she works to improve transportation and connectivity in the San Joaquin Valley, reinforcing her dedication to improving the quality of life in her neighbourhood
The Unseen Dedication Behind a Mayor’s Work
Nancy Young’s dedication to her town is extremely phenomenal and in our Meet Our Sheroes series, we’re delving deeper into her relentless work as Mayor of Tracy. As she thinks on her journey, one thing becomes clear: being a great leader demands unshakeable dedication, numerous hours, and an enormous lot of effort.
In her own words, Nancy explains, “For me, I still probably go out to almost every place because I need to see what’s happening at that moment. Even though I can picture in my head where all these different places are, I’ve walked the streets many times in our city—especially during campaigning.” This hands-on approach characterises her leadership style. Nancy is always present, involved, and aware of the pulse of her community, whether she is attending local events, engaging with individuals, or visiting places in need of attention.
Being mayor is more than just holding a post; it is being involved in all aspects of local life. “If you really want to do a good job, it’s a full-time job,” she says. As a council member, she used all of her paid time off (PTO) and vacation time to attend training sessions and meetings for the betterment of her city.
Nancy’s commitment is clear: a typical week for her can range from 40 to 60 hours, with time spent coordinating with city staff, participating in training programs, and attending meetings—sometimes even in the early morning or late evening. The responsibilities never end, and every moment counts when it comes to serving her city with integrity and purpose.
But despite the challenges, Nancy’s passion for her role shines through. She’s not just leading Tracy; she’s building bridges between the city and its residents. “When I was on the Fremont City Board, one of the words we used over and over was ‘the best-kept secret,’” she shares“because there is not a bridge between uh what city is doing and a common person in normal you know day-to-day living person they don’t even know what mayor is doing for you”.
As a council member, she used all of her paid time off (PTO) and vacation time to attend training sessions and meetings that benefited her city.
Nancy’s dedication is evident: a normal week for her can last 40 to 60 hours, with time spent coordinating with city officials, participating in training programs, and attending meetings—sometimes in the early morning or late evening. The responsibilities never end, and every moment is important when it comes to serving her city with honesty and purpose.
Despite the hurdles, Nancy’s enthusiasm for her job shines through. She is not only guiding Tracy, but also bridging the gap between the city and its citizens.
Leading with Passion and Purpose – Beyond the Powers of the Mayor
As Nancy explained, “ I probably do well beyond my Powers as the mayor just because I’ve always been in involved in our community and Civic organizations and nonprofits which I still do and I will I did before and I will be doing after ”.In Tracy, Nancy holds office as part of a general law city, which means her powers come with certain limitations. “so there are um set things that I can do as far as ceremonially representation of our of our city externally and internally but also you know I run the meeting I I generally I’m supposed to be able to set the agenda to make sure we’re on track to get things done so ,” she explains. While her status gives her some authority, decisions are made collaboratively with her fellow council members, and her influence goes beyond connections with city staff, the council, and, most importantly, the community.
One of the most effective ways Nancy has been able to effect change is by making connections within her community. She describes how projects like Tracy Connects, which she co-founded with the Chamber of Commerce, have fostered collaboration across industries. ” It’s my position that helps me to do other things in the community that’s able to expand more and so that’s how I reach more people just by showing that I really care and it’s not about it’s not about me but it’s about us,” she says.
A Vision for Business and Workforce Development
Her approach goes beyond just attracting businesses as she puts it “it’s not just the businesses but it’s the whole pipeline it’s Workforce Development.”
One of Nancy’s primary goals is to ensure that businesses feel supported not only by the government of the city but also by the residents and workers. She believes that when meeting with potential business partners, her presence and participation might be the determining factor in whether a business chooses to establish itself in Tracy. “When I show up to a meeting and talk to different businesses, it makes a huge difference whether they decide to come to our city or not,” she shares.
Through various mentorship programs, as well as partnerships aimed at providing certifications and further education, Nancy is dedicated to “upskilling our community so that different ones are able to get certifications are able to get further education to be able to invest back into the community”.
A Champion for Local Entrepreneurs
Nancy has always been dedicated to nurturing businesses and entrepreneurs in her community. “This weekend, I was at new endeavors that different business owners and entrepreneurs had within our community,” she shared, describing a project she’s particularly excited about. One initiative involves setting up a space for food trucks to operate on weekends, bringing in vendors to sell goods and help entrepreneurs flourish. But that’s not all. Nancy also highlighted how the same entrepreneurs are behind another project aimed at helping churches find a space to hold services without the burden of long-term leasing. It’s about providing flexibility and support to those who serve the community in different ways. “They also run a nonprofit organization called C You Need, which helps young people learn how to build their own computers,” Nancy explained. The nonprofit also organizes initiatives like backpack giveaways to support local students.
Leading the Way in Workforce Development
One of the cornerstones of Nancy’s leadership has been her focus on workforce development, particularly for the youth in Tracy. “I’m the first mayor to put that into place,” Nancy shared, referring to the city’s internship program that gives local students a chance to gain real-world experience in city government. “Not only does it expose students to different opportunities, but it also gives them a paycheck, fostering independence and financial responsibility,” she explained.
This initiative resonates with Nancy’s own formative experiences. She recalled her high school job at McDonald’s, where earning her own money gave her the independence to make decisions for herself—whether it was buying things or going out with friends. “It gave me that independence, and that’s something I want to instill in others,” she said.She is giving local youngsters a head start towards their own future success by granting internships, encouraging them to explore their passions and develop skills that will serve them well once they graduate from school.
Tracy Connects: Building Community Bridges.
Nancy is particularly proud of Tracy Connects, an annual event that brings together a diverse range of local organisations, businesses, and services. The event provides an opportunity to highlight nonprofits, civic organisations, churches, and even extracurricular activities like as Taekwondo, allowing families and individuals to learn about the options available in their community.
The event also brings together all of Tracy’s city departments, so residents know where to go for assistance or advice. By developing these relationships, she is contributing to the development of a more cohesive and supportive community in which everyone has access to the opportunities and resources necessary for success.
A Glimpse at Mayor Nancy Young’s Future: A Legacy of Service, and Perhaps, New Horizons
As Mayor Nancy Young prepares to finish her term in December, marking 12 years of dedicated service to Tracy, California, she reflects on her journey and contemplates what might lie ahead. “This job has been a labor of love,” she says. “It’s been about giving myself fully to the community, often without a paycheck. But now, I’m considering a path where I can continue to serve—and maybe this time, earn a little along the way.”
Her thoughts on her future aren’t set in stone yet. She hints at possibilities, including staying in the political field, where ”I would love to utilize the 12 years of information the knowledge the relationship that I’ve built to help others her experience and connections could open new doors. Friends and colleagues often encourage her to continue in politics. “Some say, ‘You can’t leave politics!’” she laughs. “I said, okay ! I’ll be governor of of the state then’”.
Would Mayor Young really consider such a step? “Well, we’ll see about 2026,” she says, with a smile. But for now as she puts, “I have so many things in place every single week all the way up through December till I turn the gavel over to the new ,mayor I have things set to to just do as much as I can for not only my city but for our region our for our United States of America actually so I’m just I’m I’m working hard to the end and then I will decide which door unless God gives me Clarity”
Message for All Women on Self-Care, Balance, and Finding Strength
“It’s so important for us, as women, to take time for ourselves, as we often get lost in caring for family and children. But I do believe that we must have personal discipline or a routine for our own upkeep and well-being.For me, that has meant always setting aside time for myself. I actually wrote a poem years ago called *As Mother, What Defines Me* because, while “Mom” is one of my titles, it’s not my whole identity. I promise, if I go to my son’s church—he’s 32 now—in the Bay Area, the people there will say, “Oh, you’re Bid’s mom.” And I think, *Okay, here I am, back to being just a mom.* That’s how people define me—I’m not Nancy; I don’t have a first name there! But throughout my life, I’ve known I need to set aside time for me. Whether it’s praying, doing something small like getting my nails done, or just taking a moment, these things matter to my well-being. They’re a part of my upkeep, and they make me feel good.
Mayor Nancy Young reminds us. For many women, the pull to care for family and manage countless tasks can make it hard to remember that we too need care and attention.
From setting aside Tuesday nights as “family night” before her children were even born to planning date nights individually with each of her kids, Mayor Young has long known the importance of building strong family bonds while also carving out time for self-care.
One of her key pieces of advice? Don’t let negativity cloud your mind. “I don’t allow negativity to fill my mind,” she says. “If I know there’s negativity on social media or anywhere else, I avoid it. I need to keep my spirit clear and positive.” Instead, she believes in surrounding herself with people who are real, supportive, and honest. “You need people around you who will tell you when you’re wrong, who will say, ‘Nancy, this isn’t a good idea.’ It’s that honest support that helps you grow.”
Mayor Young also encourages us, as women, to take risks without waiting for perfection: “Men don’t check every little box before they reach for the next level,” she notes. “Women, we often feel we need to do that, but we don’t have to. Let’s give ourselves permission to stretch out, take chances, and know that we’re ready—imperfections and all.”
A Legacy of Preserving History and Inspiring Generations
For Nancy, serving her community is not just a job—it’s a labor of love. As the first female mayor of Tracy, she’s poured over a decade of dedication into building a stronger, more connected city. But her impact doesn’t stop at policy and community events; Nancy is also an author, mentor, and advocate for preserving history, both for her city and for future generations.
While she’s already published seven books, Nancy admits there are still several manuscripts waiting in the wings. “I recently outlined a book called *Authentically Me,*” she shares with a warm smile, “One of the chapters is called, ‘What Do You Do When You Have the Mic?’ It’s a question I think about often, and something I want to help others answer.”
Nancy’s books, written with passion and honesty, reflect her own journey. Among her most treasured works is I Sing Because I’m Happy. This book is more than just words on a page—it’s a testament to resilience and self-compassion. “I wanted this book to speak to young people,” she explains, “to show them that everyone stumbles, but you can always rise up. I wrote about my own missteps because I wanted my kids and the hundreds I’ve mentored to know that no one is perfect. Mistakes are part of life, and they don’t have to define you.”
Reflecting on her journey, Nancy’s passion for writing seems natural. Her background in broadcast journalism shaped her love for storytelling and set the foundation for her desire to capture moments that can uplift others. “Writing has always been an outlet for me,” she says. “When I have time, I even write poetry. Words give me a way to leave a lasting impact and to remind people—especially young people—that a song can stay in your heart through any hardship.”
But Nancy’s desire to leave a legacy doesn’t end with her books. This summer, she and an intern have been working on a history project to honor the leaders of Tracy. “There’s no record of past mayors or council members here,” she explains. “You’ll see our pictures on the wall when we’re in office, but once we’re gone, we’re gone.” Determined to change that, Nancy is spearheading an initiative to collect the names and photos of every person who has ever served the city of Tracy. To raise funds, she’s planning a formal ball in September. Her goal? To create “a gift of history” for her community—a lasting tribute to those who helped shape the city.
The Power of Partnership in Ministry and Community
Nancy, co-pastor of His Image Ministries in Tracy, shares the story of how she and her husband, both passionate about community involvement, embarked on their journey together. They first met in high school and later reconnected in college, both through their church connections. Nancy’s husband, a publisher and mentor, joined her in the mission of uplifting their community, contributing his time and leadership to various organizations, including the Tracy African-American Association and the Tracy Golden Agers.
Their ministry, originally founded in Fremont, is now known as His Image Ministries in Tracy, a testament to their dedication to serving others. Nancy credits her husband as the “strong man” behind her, emphasizing the importance of having a supportive and equally strong partner. She asserts that while a woman can certainly be strong on her own, having a strong man by her side helps both partners grow and thrive.
The Essence of Nancy’s philosophy
“I want to serve as that center divide, that bridge-making person who helps empower others so that together we all rise.” These words capture the essence of Nancy’s philosophy—one that is focused on unity, understanding, and the empowerment of others. She believes in the power of communication and connection, recognizing that leadership isn’t about assuming what people need but taking the time to listen and engage with them. “You can’t run an office with assumptions,” she emphasizes, “you always have to talk to people to understand what they need.” This approach has been at the heart of her community service and leadership, as she strives to create meaningful change for those around her.
Nancy’s advice to women is simple yet powerful: “You have to be like that little engine that thought it could.” It’s a reminder that success begins with belief in oneself, even when others doubt you. “I did it because nobody told me that I couldn’t. Some people pushed me and said that I should,” Nancy reflects, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. “A lot of times we can succeed when we don’t let all these other thoughts of doubt cloud our minds. You just have to keep saying, ‘I think I can.’ One step at a time. You don’t have to be all the way at the end; just keep looking forward and moving forward.” She encourages women to stay focused and take life’s challenges in manageable steps. “Don’t try to take the whole bite at once—you’ll get a stomach ache. Just do one little piece at a time and keep moving forward.”
At Global Women Power, we are of the opinion that each woman possesses the capacity to serve as a leader in her own right. We aspire to encourage more women to assume leadership positions and make a positive impact on their communities by continuing to showcase the tales of extraordinary women in our “Meet Our Sheroes” series.
Dr. Young’s legacy of community engagement, mentorship, and leadership is a source of inspiration for future generations. We anticipate the numerous methods by which she will continue to inspire and empower those in her vicinity as she advances in her life. Let her story serve as a reminder to us all to utilise our voices, provide mutual support, and endeavour to achieve excellence in all aspects of our lives.
