She assumed office as Alexandria's first Black female mayor in January 2025, having previously focused on health equity, infrastructure, and housing issues throughout her career.
Gaskins was raised by a single mother who experienced health issues, including diabetes, sarcoidosis, and asthma, which led to frequent hospitalizations and financial strain on the family.
[1][2] Growing up in a household where her mother prioritized health insurance over other essentials, Gaskins encountered challenges such as a mold- and rodent-infested home, which influenced her early aspirations toward healthcare.
[2] She later worked as a senior program officer at the Melville Charitable Trust, focusing on philanthropy to address issues related to housing and community health.
[2] Gaskins entered local politics in 2021, successfully campaigning for a seat on the Alexandria City Council, where she was elected to serve a three-year term beginning in 2022.