Helen Gym
Helen Gym (/ˈɡɪm/ GHIHM; Korean: 김혜련, born January 11, 1968) is an American politician. She was the first Asian American woman to serve on the Philadelphia City Council. She was first elected to Council in 2015 and served until 2022, when she resigned to run in the Democratic primary of the 2023 Philadelphia mayoral election. Gym finished in third place behind Cherelle Parker, who won the nomination, and Rebecca Rhynhart.
Helen Gym | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the at-large district | |
| In office January 4, 2016 – November 29, 2022 | |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 11, 1968 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Bret Flaherty (m. 1995) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BA, MA) |
A member of the Democratic Party, Gym is a former school teacher and community organizer who cofounded Parents United for Public Education and served on the board of Asian Americans United. While on City Council, she became known as a progressive voice and focused on issues including housing, education, youth issues, and worker’s rights.