Vera wants to help create a Columbia that is for all

A woman with red hair and green glasses is wearing a blue dress and standing in front of a line of trees. She is smiling at the camera.

Meet Vera

Vera Elwood is a librarian, community advocate, and proud Ward 2 resident. Vera first came to Columbia for college as a third-generation Mizzou Tiger and returned in 2019 to raise a family. She is now a foster and adoptive parent with a son attending Columbia Public Schools. A librarian for over a decade, Vera earned her Master of Library and Information Science in 2019. She works as the Youth Program Coordinator at The Center Project.

Proven Public Service

City Boards and Commissions

Vera currently serves as Chair of Columbia’s Disabilities Commission and is a member of the Commission on Cultural Affairs.

Union Organizing

When Vera worked as a librarian at the University of Missouri, she joined LIUNA Local 955 and served as a union organizer for the Mizzou Workers United campaign.

Community Service

Vera is a regular volunteer with the True/False Film Fest, Unbound Book Festival, Mid-Missouri PrideFest, and the Central Missouri Humane Society.