Our D7 Team

Chief of Staff

Jonathan graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and has lived in Santa Clara County since 2001. He is a parent, engineer, local businessman, and has a substantial background in community service including his City Council campaign for San Jose. A highly experienced community leader, consultant, neighbor, parent and husband.

Council Policy and Legislative Director

Grace Kolander is the Policy and Legislative Director for District 7. She has been working on Policy since joining the City in 2017. She received her Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies from Sonoma State University and went on to get her Master’s Degree in Justice Studies from San Jose State University.

When she doesn’t have her nose buried in research you can find her with her two young children who are the light of her life.

Special Events and Policy Advisor

Vikita Sharda is a driven professional who has built her career with the City of San José through a strong commitment to public service, community engagement, and supporting the residents of San José. She began her career with the City in January 2024 as an intern with Council District 7, later advancing to Executive Administrator and now serving as a Special Events Coordinator, Public Safety Policy Advisor, and Social Media Lead for the District 7 Office. Vikita holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Justice Studies from San José State University, reflecting her longstanding passion for justice, public policy, and serving her community.

Throughout her professional career, Vikita has developed experience in policy research, event planning, constituent services, communications, and community engagement. She is committed to using her skills and passion for public service to strengthen relationships between the City and its residents, support meaningful community initiatives, and contribute to a safer, more connected, and engaged San José.

Community Outreach and Policy Advisor

Jimena was born and raised in San Jose, California, where her passion for community and public service took root. She pursued her education at San Jose State University, graduating in 2023 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Economics.

Eager to make a tangible impact in her hometown, Jimena embarked on her career journey by joining the office of District 7 in January 2024. This role marks her first job out of college, allowing her to directly engage with the community she grew up in, channeling her enthusiasm and knowledge to address local issues and advocate for positive change.

Executive Administrator

Kaitlyn Aldaz serves as the Executive Administrator for District 7.

Before joining the City, Kaitlyn participated in a trades pre-apprenticeship program, where she gained hands-on experience and developed skills in welding, electrical work, and machine operation.

Kaitlyn has been working from a young age. At just 14, she interned with Stanford University School of Medicine, where she gained experience in accounting for 3 years. By age 18, she was working as an Internal Auditor at Google. These early experiences helped her develop a strong comfort level with technology, software, and learning new systems.

Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys going to the gym, reading, and taking her Boston Terrier mix, Canicas, on walks.

Council Outreach

Council Aide 

Fernando is a new Council Aide focusing on land-use related policy. He is a Downtown San Jose Native, and his parents are from Guadalajara, Jalisco. He holds a degree in Sociology from San Francisco State University and is in his last semester of the Master's in Urban Planning (MUP) program at San Jose State.

He enjoys walkable cities and urban parks, and he is passionate about creating policy that aligns with his values of sustainable urban living. In his free time, he enjoys late-night walks to local business with his friends and family. Fernando is excited to expand his career in local politics and hopes to open an LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Downtown San Jose.

Council Outreach

Luan Nguyen is a Council Outreach for District 7. He graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Computer Engineering and is currently a R&D Software QA Engineer. He has lived in Santa Clara County since emigrating to the U.S. in 2013 and has since dedicated much of his time pouring back into the community through various volunteer efforts. Luan strives to utilize his background as an Engineer and his pubic service experiences to leave a positive impact on the community through his work for District 7.

During his free time, Luan can be found on the Pickleball courts looking for a fun, challenging match.