Candidate for
Director; Ambrose Recreation and Park District

I was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to the U.S. in 1988. My father is a lawyer and businessman and my mother was a high school teacher before she passed away in 1974. I have seven sisters and two brothers. Most of them live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I went to high school at St. Paul College of Manila, an all-girls Catholic school. Then I studied at the University of the Philippines, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism.

As a young girl, my parents encouraged me to sing and perform on stage. I enjoyed this and became a professional singer and recording artist. I have also worked as a scriptwriter, a clothes designer, a duty free shop supervisor, a property manager and a fashion boutique owner. I am lucky to have traveled to Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, China and Brazil --- meeting people from different walks life and diverse cultures. I love experiencing the varied cultures of the world and learning to speak different languages.

I work as the statewide coordinator of the University of California Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) program where I help encourage students to build their careers and become leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

I enjoy running, biking and hiking. I am a strong advocate of walking and practicing yoga for one's health! I was the captain of the TEAMO bike team that raised funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I also participated at the American Cancer Society Walk, the Best Buddies Bike Challenge, Kops for Kids Run and the Breath of Life Lung Cancer Walk. I organize high school reunions for my school, fun events at work and have emceed dinner-dances for church groups.

My children, Tallulah and Yves, support my passion for giving back to the community. They benefited greatly from our California public schools and after school programs. Yves is a UC Berkeley senior studying Social Welfare. He is also working full time as an Eligibility Specialist at the Contra Costa County Social Welfare Department. After graduating from UC Berkeley and co-hosting a cable show on Filipino American issues, Tallulah moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting and singing career. She recently opened her own PR consulting business and launched an online fundraising campaign to help typhoon victims in the Philippines.

In 2009, I got married to Tom Torlakson, former senator and candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Tom and I share common interests in improving education and advancing park and recreation services. We like meeting people while campaigning together!