My Story

I have proudly served on the Santa Maria Joint Union High School Board since October 2023.  Throughout my career and years of community service, I’ve been honored to meet and get to know many parents, teachers, and community members throughout our city, and I hope to meet you too.

I am a product of public K-12 schools and a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal State Northridge.  Throughout my life, I faced challenges due to an undiagnosed learning disability and despite ongoing academic, social, and emotional struggles, I pushed on due to a determination to uphold the values instilled in me as an immigrant family.  As a result, my lifelong goal has been to support struggling students in reaching their full potential.  Now, I embrace my identity as a lifelong learner and value my unique style of learning and thinking as a neurodivergent individual, and hope to inspire others with the same challenges.

I am the granddaughter of two grandfathers who came to this country seeking a better life. One as a Bracero and the other in farm work. One of my grandmothers dedicated 30 years as a school noon aide and was known as "la abuelita" by high school students throughout East Los Angeles. Her legacy of dedication to supporting immigrant students through love and relationship- building is a true inspiration.

My father retired from the Telephone Company where he served as union president and community activist. My mother worked as a production copier technician although her dream was to work in education. Their sacrifices and passion made it possible for me to have greater educational and career opportunities. They are my role models as I have charted my career in community building.

I began my professional career working as a family advocate in the Guadalupe Union School District. Over the next 20 years, I served as a Senior Center Director and Family Resource Center Director, working to build parent leadership and engagement.

In 2016, I began serving the community as a District Representative for the Third District County Supervisor, helping to build bridges between our immigrant communities and local government.

I have extensive experience in creating and promoting open, communal, multicultural, and artistic spaces. Successful collaborative efforts include Ciclovia in the City of Guadalupe, fostering community unity and economic growth, and establishing Santa Maria's first Cultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley. This center aims to connect community youth with art mentorship and inspire them through the contributions and accomplishments of our Latino community. I've also been instrumental in introducing the Dual Immersion Program in the Santa Maria Bonita Elementary School System.

My career in community building and engagement, has given me  a deep understanding and expertise in building parent and student partnerships, which are essential to student success. As a board member, I am committed, proactive, and responsive representative for the students, parents, and teachers of District 3 and the Santa Maria District community as a whole.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

I love the outdoors, hiking, biking, running, and spending time with my two favorite recent Santa Maria Joint Union High School District graduates, my own son and daughter, and promoting good health for family and community members alike.

MY COMMUNITY SERVICE

Over the years, I have volunteered with numerous Boards and Community Groups. Some examples include:

Current

Santa Maria Joint Union High School Board

Leading from Within, Board of Directors

SMHS Counseling Council 

Cultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley Founder

Stray Animal Task Force Advisory Council

 Previous

Miller Elementary School Site Council

Fesler Jr High School Site Council

Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Center Internal Affairs Committee and Board

Los Amigos de Guadalupe, Board President

CAUSE Board of Directors, Vice President

The Fund for Santa Barbara Board of Directors

Mary Buren Elementary School Site Council

Guadalupe Union School District LCAP Council

Santa Maria Bonita School District Dual Immersion Development Group