I am a proud product of public education and a first-generation college graduate. As the eldest of six, I have known hard work, responsibility and leadership my entire life.
Growing up in a low-income, farmworker family, I learned at an early age that I would have an active role in the family. I was an advocate for my parents as they did not understand English, nor the educational system. As they worked, I looked after my younger siblings, while balancing school and work. Since then, I have been there every step of the way for my siblings, guiding them in their education and career development, and celebrating their successes.
When I was twelve years old, I joined my mom in the fields as a farmworker for four summers. While I was in college, I held two full-time jobs–one of them a graveyard shift–to put myself through college and continue to support my family financially.
I moved to Sacramento in 2001 and through perseverance and the help of amazing educators, overcame many barriers to graduate with a BA from Sacramento State and a Masters of Science from McGeorge School of Law. Professionally, I have over thirteen years of policy experience working on education, health, housing and other policy areas.
Natomas has been my home for the past ten years. I am actively involved in a number of organizations and with the school district, including as an appointed member to the Natomas Citizens Bond Oversight Committee and the Natomas Planning Advisory Council. As a Boardmember of the Natomas Schools Foundation, I have played a role in ensuring students have the opportunity to apply for Chromebooks and scholarships. Youth leadership development is a passion of mine. I have worked with organizations such as the California Center for Civic Participation and the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project to develop curriculum and programming to provide professional and leadership skills to youth.
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