As the daughter of immigrants I value equitable treatment of all immigrants, documented or not. My experience in working with communities spans decades–at the age of seventeen, I began translating documents for Spanish speaking farm workers in Salinas, California. What started as translation evolved into advocacy by educating them on their rights and being a voice when they were unable to speak up for themselves.
As a mother to a child with learning disability I value the importance of education and ensuring access to tuition free college and trade schools for all, but especially working class families. Education is a priority for our family and so we have taught our children that access to affordable education is not a privilege, but rather a right. The return on investment on quality education means substantial gains for our communities, for it is these communities that are built by young people armed with critical thinking skills earned from a good education.
Environmental protections are an essential priority to safeguard the future of generations beyond our own. I’ve always thought that a youth recycling program that combines art and creativity done by and with youth in our community can create jobs, foster innovation and reinforce the value of education. Create apprenticeships that can further the work and message of recycling.
I am dedicated and passionate about giving a voice to those unable to speak for themselves. I am not afraid of speaking up for what I believe is right especially when I know that the rights of people in my community are being compromised. While I am in independent thinker I also bring experience in working with others who hold different views and seek resolution and build bridges when I can. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in this capacity and am committed to working hard to create positive change.
