Candidate for
Board Member; Jefferson Union High School District

I am 31 years old and the oldest of six children. I came to this country as a 14-year old immigrant in 1985. I fully understand the needs of those students who have to deal with English as a second language and their issues adjusting to a new culture. For most of my high school life, I was raised by a single mom and had to work part-time while going to school. Thus, I also understand what it is like for students who are going through the same situations in their families. After graduating from high school, I put myself through college and through law school.

No matter what adversities we encountered in our lives, my parents always instilled in me the importance of education. I am very grateful to them because it is that education that has made me successful today. I now want to be able to give back to my community and ensure that the students in our district receive the same quality of education that I received, and that they are best equipped to fulfill their dreams.

Because of these life experiences, I am in touch with the needs of today's students. If I am elected, I will be able to provide a new perspective that is not currently represented on the board as a young, professional, single, minority woman.

The following is my educational and professional background as well as my prior and current involvement with the community.

Education:

University of San Francisco School of Law (J.D., 1997)

Treasurer, International Law Society (1996-1997)

University of California, Berkeley (B.A., 1992)

Chairperson, Pilipino American Alliance (1991-1992)
Social-Cultural Chairperson, Pilipino American Alliance (1990-1991)
Member, Minority Pre-Law Coalition (1991-1992)

Professional:

I currently work as an attorney for Applied Materials, Inc., a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer located in Santa Clara, California. Prior to working for Applied Materials, I was an Associate with the law firm of Hanson Bridgett where my practice included the areas of intellectual property, business, real property litigation and commercial litigation. I also contributed to pro bono cases as an associate at Hanson Bridgett. Prior to Hanson Bridgett, I was an Associate with the law firm of Gordon & Rees where my practice included the areas of intellectual property, corporate and business formation, class action litigation, medical device litigation and employment litigation.

Professional Associations:

Bar Association of San Francisco
San Mateo County Bar Association
San Francisco Intellectual Property Law Association
Internal Vice President, Filipino Bar Association of Northern California (2002-present)
Treasurer, Filipino Bar Association of Northern California (2001-2002)

Professional Awards:

Wiley H. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services (2001)

Community Affiliations and Activities:

District Advisory Committee, Jefferson Union High School District (2002)
Facilities Improvement Program Oversight Committee, Jefferson Union High School District (2002)
Daly City Peninsula Partnership Collaborative (2002)
Pacifica School Volunteers (2002)
Daly City/Colma Democratic Club (2002)
Daly City/Colma Chamber of Commerce (2000-present)
Net-working Professional Group, Daly City, CA (2001-2002)
Filipina Women's Network (2002)
Vice-Chairperson, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Daly City Chapter (2002)