Hello District 7,

My name is Travian M. Atkins, and I humbly ask for your support to be your next Maple Heights City Councilmember! I am a wife, mother, grandmother of ten, educator and executive. I am a former ASFME union member, former Ford Motor Company laborer and former property manager for public, private and nonprofit housing agencies. I am a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

I was raised in the city of Cleveland by my incredible mother, a single parent who dedicated her life to providing for my brother and me. Watching my mother, I learned early the value of challenging work and the transformative power of education. Having an absentee father who was addicted to heroin I experienced damage to the family structure because of drug abuse. My mother worked 12-hour shifts at Ford Motor Company for forty years determined to give her children a better life. My mother was without doubt my role model and her strength and faith ignited a fire within me that continues to burn.

At fourteen, I became a young mother, and by age of twenty-one, I was a single mom with three beautiful daughters. What would have been seen as a setback, I saw it as fuel for my ambition. Despite facing the challenges of early motherhood—such as balancing childcare with education, and societal judgment, I stayed focused on building a better future for myself and my children. I graduated high school with my class and earned six college degrees proving how you start is not as important as how you finish. I have always fought fiercely for my family, and I promise to do the same for your family.

In 2008, a single mother of three at the age of twenty-eight I bought my home in Maple Heights investing into the community. My daughters attended grade school and graduated from Maple Heights School District. As a substitute teacher I taught in the school district making an impression and impact on the youth of the community. I am committed to being an engaged, compassionate leader in our community. Together, we will tackle the concerns that affect us all, exploring resources and opportunities to ensure our community survives and thrives for future generations. I am dedicated to collaboration, listening to your needs, and advocating for our shared vision.

My education and experience equip me to make informed decisions that will move our community and Maple Heights forward. I am a proud alum of Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University. I hold an Associate of Applied Science Degree with a concentration in Law Enforcement, I hold an Associate of Art Degree, I hold a Bachelor of Art degree with a concentration in Sociology, a Bachelor of Art degree with a concentration in Criminology, a Master's Degree of Adult Education, and a Master's Degree of Public Administration. I am recognized as a Certified Professional Purchasing Manager certified through the American Purchasing Society. 

As an eight-year Adjunct Professor at Cuyahoga Community College, I am proud to educate, engage and mentor students in their career pathways. As Assistant Finance Director, I prioritize fiscal responsibility and strategic oversight, ensuring community resources are managed wisely. As an instructor for the Upward Bound STEM program, I teach young adults valuable trade skills, empowering them to excel in their futures.

 I am well-qualified to serve and represent District 7. I ask for your support and vote on Tuesday September 9, 2025, and Tuesday, November 4, 2025. With your support, we can build a solid future for our children, families, and community.

Humbly,

Travian M. Atkins, M.Ed., MPA, CPPM