If you believe a better world is possible, join us in electing Jax to the Board of El Paso County Commissioners in 2026
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Jax is a relentless millennial optimist driven by a passion for justice & uplifting all community members.
Jax is a relentless millennial optimist driven by a passion for justice & uplifting all community members.
Influenced by her upbringing to do what is right, for nearly two decades Jax has served the public in various capacities, whether that's been bringing important truth to light, building community, sharing resources or knowledge with the most vulnerable, or asking all people to be civically involved.
Considering herself a student of public service for several years prior, in 2021 her commitment to run for public office became solidified while she sat in the El Paso County jail after being arrested in retaliation for being a protestor demanding housing justice.
Today she is propelled by spiritual and moral conviction to win the County Commission District 5 seat because we deserve effective public servants, not greedy egocentric politicians.
Jax at age 8 with her maternal grandfather, Luis Unzueta, or Chuy.
Early Life
Early Life
Born in El Paso, Texas, the inequities she saw her Bordertown hometown face were early inspiration to take action for what is morally right. Growing up, Jax's working class parents -- Gilbert, a union member of 20 plus years with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) & Rosalinda, a nontraditional student who ultimately became an registered nurse -- showed her that being civically engaged is critical to doing one's part. She was also influenced by her grandparents, a mix of Mexican immigrants and U.S.-born citizens who gave her the gift of speaking Spanish and a diverse heritage that also includes Japanese ancestors.
In high school, Jax succeeded academically with National Honor Society, Advanced Placement classes and being co-editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. However, she was acutely aware of the hardships faced by some of her fellow students without the privileges of involved parents, or a stable home life or economic background.
Professional Career
Professional Career
With a drive to make impact for the greater good, Jax earned a BA in Journalism & Mass Communications with an Honors Certificate from New Mexico State University in Dec. 2008. From there, she achieved her childhood dream of being a newspaper reporter. After a decade in the industry at borderlands newspapers, Jax decided she could no longer be a neutral observer. She became a municipal public servant in 2012, which also gave her the opportunity to volunteer for political campaigns, forever changing her life trajectory.
In 2016, she moved to Colorado Springs and worked her first campaign job as a Democratic Party field organizer for the Colorado Coordinated campaign. She then became an aide to Colorado Springs City Councilmember District 4. In 2018, her experience in the Office of U.S. Senator Bennet set an excellent foundation for her county commissioner campaign. She served as the Military & Veterans Constituent Advocate in Colorado Springs and was then promoted to the Pueblo & Southeastern Colorado Regional Representative in 2020.
In 2021, following the aftermath of being falsely accused by police, her career path changed. She entered the nonprofit sector and gained additional advocacy experience at different organizations. She helped small businesses and economic development interests in Southern Colorado, and she supported survivors of crime and undocumented Spanish monolingual community members access resources. Since 2023, she has enjoyed working at an incredible statewide nonprofit media organization.
Over the years, she's also held a number of roles to help build the Democratic Party, including: Precinct Organizer, County Party Latine & Indigenous Outreach Lead, County Party 2nd Vice-Chair Officer and 2022 Colorado Coordinated Campaign Voter Protection Deputy.
Ready to Serve the Future
Ready to Serve the Future
Showing up for community is one of Jax's main commitments to her neighbors because she knows positive progress can't happen otherwise. As a queer Chicana who is a daughter, sister & auntie, the intersectionality of her own identity has helped her lean into the understanding that none are free until all are free.
So, that's lead to plenty of important extra projects as an activist and advocate, such as serving on, and founding, nonprofit boards; organizing community bike rides; hosting a voter participation block party; creation of the Chinook Center mural to commemorate police shooting victim De'Von Bailey; successfully working for accountability within her own Homeowners Association; or becoming a client of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado to protect democracy.
In addition to her professional experience, it's this commitment to working alongside -- and in the interest of -- community that makes her the best choice for District 5 El Paso County Commissioner.
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