I have a B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in Political Theory from UCLA. My classroom training provided a fundamental understanding of our governance structures and how they evolve, or fail to evolve over time. I have extensively studied political theory and I assess political dynamics with a filtered “state of nature” lens. During my time in our nation’s capital and subsequently, I have rounded out my public policy expertise with leadership and statistical analysis and budget coursework. My education has given me the tools to be an effective and thoughtful leader.

At 24, as a student worker and unit president for my California School Employees Association chapter, I negotiated my first contract, with wage and benefit increases for over 400 employees. This experience was foundational to my dedication to workers’ rights and justice, especially as a legislator.

I started my career in public advocacy as a policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Education, where I worked on key national education initiatives such as; Safe and Drug Free Schools, School to Work, Parent Involvement in Education, and education research for the Department through the Asia Pacific Economic Consortium.

I served as the Legislative Vice President of the Santa Clarita Valley Trustees Association and as a delegate to the California School Boards Association; ensuring local programs received proper support from regional bodies. I also served as the chair of the successful Measure E Prop 39 bond campaign for the Newhall District, which has provided $60 million in resources for facility and technology upgrades.

In the State Assembly, I authored nine bills focusing on education reform, homeowner protections, college affordability and good governance, which were signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. This legislative package also included a landmark measure, now law, that removes barriers for survivors of human trafficking to access victims’ compensation. I also led a charter school reform education package that updated the California Charter Schools Act for the first time since 1992 and held private interests accountable. I was able to shepherd historic investments in emergency management and also secured $700,000 for the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, $450,000 for the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center and $397,000 for College of the Canyons. These accomplishments not only mark my understanding of effective lawmaking but also how to bring critical resources back to my district.

I currently serve on the Delta Stewardship Council, where I am building upon my dedication to leading on climate action.

I have been a public school teacher in Los Angeles' public schools for over 22 years including the continuation high school where I currently teach in the San Fernando Valley.  I was elected as the first Latina to Simi Valley City Council in 2018 where I have also been a public servant.  I have a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from George Washington University, a Master's in Instructional Leadership and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.  I have used my experience on the front lines in the classroom and as a local elected official to advocate for underserved youth and their families, workers' rights, environmental justice, housing, law enforcement accountability, women's rights, immigrant rights and more. 

As the first progressive Democrat elected to Simi Valley City Council I believe my job is to be a public servant and fight for EVERYONE in the community but especially for the disenfranchised populations.  I do not and will not take corporate money, developer money or fossil fuel money because I am a public servant here to fight for workers, families and our community. 

I'm an employee in the Antelope Valley, struggling just like many of you to feed my family, pay for gas, and keep a roof over their heads. I live in Palmdale and work in Lancaster, developing training materials for federal personnel who award and administer government contracts.

We need an ethical Congress.