When I am not representing our district in Sacramento, Brian and I run our small business as dry land wheat farmers. The wheat that we grow is processed for seed, which we sell to local farmers and wholesalers alike. As a part of our business, we also run a small trucking division to transport our grain across the state. Running the farm with full-time employees has given me significant insight into the difficulty of running, owning, and operating a small business in our state. My experience as a woman small business owner and entrepreneur has also helped me to understand the unique challenges and obstacles of owning and operating a business in our state. As small business owners, we are responsible for compliance, human resources, and finances, and I understand first-hand how the burden of over-regulation has increased the cost of doing business here in California.

Up until 2012, I was also a co-owner of Big Valley Nursery in Bieber. My friend and I purchased the nursery from the original owner, who had run the business since its founding more than 30 years earlier. Over the next few years, we remodeled, improved the greenhouses, and expanded our inventory. We later sold the nursery to one of our employees, and it remains a thriving local business.

I served as President of the Big Valley Joint Unified School Board for one term, where I grew my passion for rural education. I advocated for, and continue to support, access to AP and enrichment classes so that every student can achieve their full academic potential. I am running to continue to help build a stronger and safer North State.