Every evening, before bed, Ilma Lopez asks her children a simple question:

“What are you grateful for today?”

It is a question born from Ilma’s own experience and a reminder that opportunity should never be taken for granted. For Ilma, gratitude isn’t just a value – it’s a responsibility. It’s why she has spent her life working hard, giving back, and striving to leave her community stronger than she found it.

Portland gave Ilma the opportunity to build a life, a family, and a business. Now she wants to help ensure the same opportunity exists for everyone who calls this city home.

Ilma’s story began thousands of miles away from Maine. She grew up in Venezuela in a family where necessities like food, water, and electricity were never taken for granted. Her mother worked tirelessly to support the family while putting herself through school. This taught Ilma lessons that have shaped her entire life: work hard, value every opportunity, treat people with respect, and always give back to your community.

In 2002, Ilma’s mother sold many of her belongings so Ilma could come to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. Arriving with little more than perseverance and self-belief, Ilma trained as a pastry chef in New York, where she dedicated herself to mastering her craft. It was there that she met her future husband, Damian Sansonetti.

Together they chose Portland to build their future and raise a family.

Arriving in 2011, the couple eventually opened Chaval, followed later by the Ugly Duckling. Over the years, their restaurants have become a much-loved part of Portland’s vibrant food community.

But owning a small business is about far more than serving great food.

It’s about bringing people together, working as a team, balancing budgets, adapting to challenges, and making decisive calls. Ilma understands the pressures facing Portland’s families and small businesses – because she experiences them every day.

Today, Ilma and Damian live in Portland’s Riverton neighborhood, where they are raising two children who attend Portland Public Schools. Like so many District 5 families, they care about keeping neighborhoods safe, maintaining great schools, preserving parks and trails, and making housing more attainable and affordable for everyone.

Ilma sees her job as serving the community – and now she wants to work to bring that same commitment to the Portland City Council.