My career in education didn’t begin in an executive office or a boardroom. It began on the front lines as a classified employee, serving as a parent liaison. In those early days, my mission was simple but sacred: to ensure that every family, regardless of their background or the language they spoke, felt truly seen and respected by the people and the systems meant to serve them. I learned then that a school is only as strong as the trust it builds with its community.
That “liaison heart” has stayed with me through every role I’ve held. It drove me to create programs like Camp LEAD and Unity Days, where we move past the surface and do the real work of breaking down barriers ā fostering a “warm” school climate where students are empowered to lead with empathy.
A school must be a sanctuary before it can be a powerhouse of learning. When a student feels emotionally and physically safe ā when they know they belong and are protected ā that is when they truly begin to thrive. Safety is the essential foundation for all academic achievement.
This commitment led me to the national stage, where I dedicated myself to human trafficking prevention, authoring guides for the U.S. Department of Education and testifying before the Senate. I’ve seen the most vulnerable corners of our systems, and I’ve spent my life building a stronger safety net.
I am running for the Grossmont Union High School District Board because I believe our schools should be the safest, warmest, and most supportive places in our community. I am ready to bring my experience as a liaison, a collaborator, and a systemic leader to ensure every student in East County is seen, heard, protected, and prepared to succeed.