I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, nurtured by the boundless love and enduring sacrifice of my mother and grandparents; Maria and Joel. My grandparents fled famine in Mexico in the 1990s, driven by a dream of a better life and the hope of new opportunities. In the United States, they worked tirelessly as farmer workers and in other minimum-wage jobs. Growing up, I was constantly inspired by their unwavering dedication and selflessness. Even when times were tough, their kindness never faltered. I remember the warmth of their kitchen, where the aroma of lovingly prepared food mingled with the rich stories of their past. Each meal was more than just sustenance; it was a lesson in resilience, a piece of our family's history, and a demonstration of their boundless love.

Through their example, I learned the importance of community, the value of hard work, and the power of hope. My grandparents showed me that no matter how daunting life's challenges may be, our spirit, when nurtured by community and strengthened by perseverance, remains unbroken. Their legacy of resilience and hope, even after their passing,  is a precious gift that continues to guide me throughout my life.

School was never easy for me but everyone thought I was smart because I was quiet and complied with the rules. What teachers did not know was that by the 5th grade had a high Adverse Childhood Experiences score of  9 out of 10, marking different types of abuse, neglect, and other hallmarks of a rough childhood,  I struggled to cognitively  keep up with the material.  However, the unwavering support of several Black elementary teachers - Mrs. Massenburg, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Kelly, and Mr. Harvey,  was a turning point in my journey. They saw potential in me when I doubted myself. They recognized my struggle but also my determination and resilience. These teachers went above and beyond to ensure I had the resources and encouragement I needed. and sometimes beyond school hours. They took extra time to help me with difficult concepts, offered words of encouragement when I felt discouraged, and celebrated my small victories as if they were their own.  Their faith in me was a powerful motivator, reminding me that I was capable of greatness. They didn’t just teach me academic lessons; they taught me the value of self-belief and perseverance. With their support, each day brought small improvements, and slowly but surely, I began to excel. Their belief in my potential pushed me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. My journey was not easy, but it was a testament to the power of hard work, the importance of a supportive community, and the profound impact of educators who care deeply about their students

The lessons from my upbringing and the encouragement of my teachers fueled my drive to achieve many firsts in my family. I graduated high school, attended college, earned a master's degree, and embarked on a career in community organizing, social work, and now, education. 

Each step I took, I did it in alignment with the value of community- as it served as my guiding light, inspiring me to strive for a better future not just for myself, but for all those who walk a similar path.  This deepened my commitment to social justice. 

As a community organizer in Watts, I was privileged to witness firsthand the remarkable power of grassroots advocacy in action. Standing alongside fellow community members, I saw how collective voices could bring about tangible change, advocating for fairer resource allocation and striving to dismantle systemic barriers. Transitioning into the realm of social work, I delved deeper into the intricate web of societal issues, recognizing that mental health struggles often stem from pervasive structures of racism and classism. It was clear to me that addressing these root causes required a multifaceted approach, one that prioritized both individual well-being and systemic transformation.

As an out of the classroom educator within LAUSD, I carry these lessons with me every day, channeling my passion for social justice into empowering the next generation. Working closely with youth, I facilitate a journey of transformation, guiding them as they bridge the gap between theory and practice. At the heart of my approach lies a commitment to collaboration and partnership. I firmly believe that parents are not just stakeholders but equal partners in their children's education. Through establishing parent centers and fostering meaningful dialogue, I strive to ensure that parents are not only heard but actively engaged in shaping their children's educational journey.

Now, at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center (VNCLC), I draw upon my diverse background and experiences to cultivate a learning environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Central to this mission is the proactive resolution of conflicts, guided by principles of empathy, accountability, and community building. Rather than simply addressing surface-level issues, I encourage students to delve deeper, exploring the underlying root causes and working together to forge meaningful solutions. Through open and honest dialogue, we create a space where understanding flourishes, connections deepen, and genuine change takes root.

As an educational leader in the UCLA PLI program, I'm driven by a vision that goes beyond just managing things—it's about sparking hope and forming a tight-knit community fueled by humanity, imagination, and innovation. I firmly believe that our potential knows no bounds; it's as expansive as the universe itself, held back only by the limits of our past experiences.

In my role, I'm all about creating environments where exploration is encouraged. I know that real progress comes from stepping into uncharted territory, making new connections, and embracing fresh ideas. Every single voice matters in this journey, regardless of titles or positions, because everyone brings their own unique wisdom to the table.

I'm dedicated to nurturing relationships, embracing diverse leadership styles, and pooling our collective knowledge to tackle the complex challenges that urban schools face. Through this approach, we not only pave the way for academic success but also foster healing and all-around growth for every student.

My own journey—from the heart of South Central to where I am now—has taught me the incredible impact of community and connection. My mission is crystal clear:  to reimagine and create a future where every person's experiences—both in and out of the classroom—are valued, respected, and nurtured.