Naren Brier is a rising local leader whose story spans continents, conflict zones, and now, the civic heart of Bellevue. As the newest member of the Bellevue City Council, Naren brings a rare blend of global perspective and local devotion. In this exclusive conversation, she reflects on her journey, her love for Bellevue, and her hopes for its future.
Tell us about your background and how Bellevue became home.
I grew up in Wylie, Texas, a Dallas suburb where the iconic TV show Dallas was filmed. My parents fled Saddam Hussein’s genocide against the Kurdish people and arrived in the U.S. in 1996, so my upbringing blended American life with the stories and sacrifices of refugees. I later earned a full-ride scholarship to Boston College, where studying political science, philosophy, and Russian literature shaped my curiosity about global conflict. During college, I worked in refugee camps in Iraq and Syria with people who had fled ISIS, members of minority communities including Christians, Yazidis, and Kurds. That experience ultimately led me to the intersection of human rights, social media, geopolitics, and AI, which brought me to Bellevue. It’s also where I met my soulmate, and after he proposed in Armenia, I knew this was where I wanted to build my life.
What do you love most about living here?
The mountains are a daily reminder of our extraordinary natural landscape. I love grabbing a matcha at one of our local shops, the friendly and familiar atmosphere on Old Main Street, and the sense of recognition and community - I’ve become a regular at Cantinetta, and now greeted by name. Bellevue has a rare energy that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, anchored by a tech sector that’s shaping the future. It was essential for me to raise a family somewhere that excels across innovation, governance, geography, and culture. Bellevue delivers on all fronts, and that’s rare. It’s why I’m dedicated to preserving and enhancing what makes Bellevue remarkable.
What inspired your decision to run for Bellevue City Council?
Modern politics often feels like performance, and I wanted no part of that. My early work, from interning with Congressman Joe Kennedy to gaining recognition from both Senator Warren and Senator Black, showed me the value of meaningful service. After arriving in Bellevue for a role at Facebook, I began mentoring students and engaging with seniors. The more time I spent with this community, the clearer it became: I wanted to serve it directly, bringing everything I’ve learned to the place I now call home. I firmly believe local politics is where we can bridge our most polarized divides and serve our neighbors face-to-face.
What do you hope to accomplish?
I want Bellevue to be safer, more walkable, more affordable, and more fun. My role is to represent residents faithfully and transparently. And long-term, I hope to bring a world-class museum to Bellevue, something on the scale of the Met in New York, reflecting our global culture and establishing Bellevue as not just a tech hub, but a cultural destination. With our resources and cultural depth, I believe this great city is ready for it.