| From my great-grandmother, who immigrated from Queretaro to Guanajuato, within her native Mexico to escape domestic violence, to my own mother who immigrated from her native Guanajuato, Mexico to California to give us a better life, the women in my life have taught me hard work, perseverance, and a superb work ethic.
My husband, Sergio, and I have worked hard our entire lives. Sergio is a UA469 Union Plumber and I am currently working as an Insurance Sales Agent with AAA, a not-for-profit organization. We moved to Goodyear from California 13 years ago for the same reason so many of us do, to give our three children an opportunity at a better life. A safe community with good schools, friendly people, and opportunities to grow and flourish.
My mother taught me the value of family and service to others. I am who I am today because of her.
I have dedicated two decades to public service as a paralegal in both non-profit and government and more recently on the school board of Agua Fria Union HSD and the AZ Latino School Board Association. I've watched first-hand how decisions are made and how people who are supposed to serve and represent us put their friends in positions of power and authority, rather than focus on decisions that will benefit their communities and constituents.
This experience is what finally pushed me to where I am today. Instead of continuing to complain to our legislators about the lack of funding for public schools and countless other issues our community faces, I decided to do something about it and run.
As I face this new challenge and new opportunity, I think a lot about my mother, who passed away from scleroderma in 2007. I hope to continue to make her proud and honor her memory, sacrifice, and hard work through all the service I do in my own home, church and community. |