Candidate for
Board Member; Santa Ana Unified School District

When my father returned from the Korean War in 1953, he had hopes and dreams for his children. My mother stayed home, raised ten children and made sure we all went to school. They encouraged me to excel in school academics, participate in student government, play after school sports and take violin lessons.

I was born at Doctor's Hospital on College Avenue in Santa Ana in 1959.

I attended Fremont Elementary, Willard Jr. High, Santa Ana High School and Santa Ana College. While attending Santa Ana High School during my sophomore year, I was appointed as Student Representative on the Santa Ana School Board.

I am a 4th generation Californian and one of ten siblings. My siblings and I were the first of three generations to attend Santa Ana public schools. My parents live in the same home they purchased in 1958. I have lived most of my life in Santa Ana and my children attended Santa Ana schools.

In the early eighties, I was employed by the City of Santa Ana as a Code Enforcement Inspector and Residential Rehabilitation Specialist. I left the City of Santa Ana in 1985 to work for the City of San Jose as a Project Manager and subsequently started my own consulting business in 1989. I have entered my 19th year as an independent business owner.

I am a member of the Santa Ana Kiwanis. I have been active with Latino communities and contributed financially to At-Risk Youth Programs, Cultural Events, Scholarship Programs and other charitable organizations such as Academy of Business Leadership, Rio Hondo Boys & Girls Club, Laguna Beach Resource Center, The Villa, City of Santa Ana Parks & Recreation Children's Holiday Christmas Events & Mother's Day Festivities.

The following are some of the recognitions I have received:

July 2002: Community Recognition Award from the Board of Recreation & Parks of the City of Santa Ana for my "Outstanding Contributions to the Residents of Santa Ana".

October 2003: Latin Business Association of Los Angeles for "Woman of the Year". This award is given to Latina Entrepreneurs with a proven ability to overcome challenges and obstacles in business and who has a commitment to the Latino community.

January 2004: One of five women profiled for my contributions to the Latino community in Glamour en Espanol magazine and recognized as "Woman of the Year".

June 2004: Recognized as "Employer of the Year" award from the International Right of Way Association.

I have also received numerous awards for my contributions to the Latino community from members of the California State Assembly, Congressman Cal Dooley (2000) and Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante (2001).

Today I am a successful business owner and I believe in giving back to my community. For two decades I have personally given tens of thousands of dollars to local charities and causes that have benefited students and their families.