MADISON – Today, Ali Maresh, a mental health advocate and thought leader on children’s well-being in the digital age, announced her candidacy for the 76th Assembly District.

Maresh recently served as a communications specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Office of Children’s Mental Health. She also taught in the journalism program at Madison College.

“Improving the mental health of our residents is my top priority,” said Maresh. “As someone who has lived with anxiety and depression since I was a teenager, I understand firsthand the importance of early intervention and access to treatment. I will fight for innovative policies that put the health and well-being of Wisconsinites first.”

Maresh’s campaign is focused on the following priorities:
● Improving mental health by increasing access to providers; enhancing support in schools; and decreasing financial stress by providing relief to residents impacted by the current crisis.
● Creating an Office of Technology and Well-Being to research and provide guidance about
well-being in the digital age; to help individuals struggling with excessive technology use (e.g., gaming disorder); and to create policies that prioritize social emotional well-being for children.
● Establishing a statewide diversity, equity, and inclusion program and creating policies that protect and support the LGBTQ+ community.

For more than 10 years, Maresh has devoted her communications career to serving others. While working for the State of Wisconsin, she supported senior government officials on a variety of children’s mental health initiatives. As an adjunct faculty member at Madison College, Maresh taught a mass communications course, where she challenged students to critically analyze media’s impact on society. After working with the nation’s first technology addiction center on a plan to educate parents about the importance of moderate screen time for children’s well-being, she has spoken about this topic throughout Wisconsin. Earlier in her career, Maresh worked as a communications manager and international student advisor at Georgetown University, where she helped students navigate the U.S. immigration system.

Maresh is originally from Madison and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She received her masters degree from Georgetown University in public relations and corporate communications. Maresh is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. She currently lives in the Atwood neighborhood. Learn more at www.alimaresh.com.

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