About me…
I am a mother, a wife and a daughter of working-class immigrants who came to America because they deeply believed in democracy and opportunity. I've been raised within systems that were not built for the needs of me or my family, and I've lived in a city that never expected I would be here. My life experience has inspired me to take part in creating a system that addresses the needs of those who so often get left behind. I learned first-hand the value of creating space at the table so that all voices can come together to create stronger communities for all of us. I'm running for a seat on city council because I believe I can bring a new perspective and a fresh voice to our city that will empower our residents, uplift our communities and inspire change that will serve for the betterment of us all.
My parents instilled in me the importance of community and service to others, values that have served as the cornerstone of my life. They left their family and their homeland to come to Columbus with the hope of building a new life. My dad had several manual labor jobs before starting the city's first Latino grocery store. My mom taught herself English while watching soap operas working in a salon, had a longtime job at a medicine-packing company and has served as a volunteer at her church for as long as I can remember. I grew up on the eastside of Columbus where my family still lives today. My love for this community inspired me to raise my own children in the same neighborhood, just a few blocks away.
After graduating high school, I joined City Year, a non-profit education focused organization to which I have dedicated my 27-year career. I've served cities across the country, including the south side neighborhood in Columbus. Throughout my career, I've led and been a part of teams that have built community centers, open free stores, started afterschool programs, administered a senior lunch programs, tutored students and led programs that helped to close the digital divide.
Today in addition to my work at City Year I have the privilege of leading the Latina Mentoring Academy helping to create a network of professional Latina’s in central Ohio. I understand first hand the……
