From the bustling hallways of Galileo High School to the iconic chambers of San Francisco’s City Hall, Mayor London Breed exemplifies the transformative power of determination, vision, and community leadership. As the 45th Mayor of San Francisco and the first African-American woman to hold the office, Mayor Breed’s journey is a testament to Galileo Academy of Science and Technology’s legacy of cultivating leaders who inspire and serve.
A proud alumnus of Galileo, Breed’s time at the school was marked by her enthusiasm and drive. Ms. Bettie, a devoted Galileo staff member for over five decades, fondly recalls, “She was a student body officer, I think vice president too. She was also a girls softball player, had a good sense of humor and really seemed to be enjoying her student experience. She was very outgoing and really took advantage of all that Galileo had to offer.”
Ms. Bettie also remarked on the kindness of Mayor Breed, noting, “every time I see the mayor we hug. She recognized me when she came back to Galileo after she had already graduated. She recognizes me whenever we see each other, always a big hug.”
After graduating in 1992, Breed continued her education at UC Davis, earning a BA in Political Science and Public Service, followed by a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. Her passion for uplifting communities led her to become the Executive Director of the African American Art & Culture Complex, where her leadership transformed the center into a thriving hub for creativity, education, and community engagement.
Breed’s political career began with her election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2012. In 2015, she was elected Board President, demonstrating a keen ability to unite diverse voices and tackle complex issues. Her historic swearing-in as mayor in 2018 marked a pivotal moment for the city.
Under Breed’s tenure, San Francisco has navigated turbulent times with resilience and innovation. Her approach during the COVID-19 pandemic set a national standard, saving thousands of lives through early interventions and data-driven policies. Beyond crisis management, she has championed transformational initiatives: expanding affordable housing, advancing equity, and reducing homelessness by connecting over 15,000 individuals to supportive services. Her commitment to public safety has also driven the city to achieve its lowest crime rates in over a decade.
Mayor London Breed’s journey from Galileo’s classrooms to City Hall is a story of perseverance and purpose. She embodies the spirit of service and the power of local roots to shape global impact. Her leadership continues to inspire generations of Galileo students to dream big, lead boldly, and dedicate themselves to the betterment of their communities.
“It’s kind of sad that she lost [re-election],” concluded Ms. Bettie in our interview with her. However, even if Ms. Breed will not be our next mayor, her remarkable impact on our city and community will remain an inspiration to the next generation of Galileo students.
This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Mayor London Breed. My internship truly highlighted the power of Galileo connections. My time at the Office of Protocol was particularly intriguing, as it allowed me to connect with diplomats from around the world and foster relationships between San Francisco and its sister cities. Additionally, I had the chance to connect with key Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation donors who were essential to hosting the remarkable event. I’ve known Mayor London Breed for quite some time now; we’re pretty close. We discuss everything from how we can uplift San Francisco to our hair care routines. She’s more than a mayor to me—she’s my mentor. She introduced me to so many world leaders and took me by her side every step of the way. She is the best.
