Candidate for
Board Member; Natomas Unified School District

SUMMARY: As a first-generation immigrant and parent I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve our diverse community.

I have always been concerned about education inequality and advocated for the rights of students and parents for the past 16 years in a variety of school and district roles, including Chair and member of NUSD's English Learners Advisory Committee, and PTA/PTSA officer and School Site Council member in American Lakes Elementary School, Leroy F. Green Middle School, and Natomas High School. I want to bring fresh ideas and positive solutions to the Natomas Unified School Board by running for trustee. As such, I'll work for a more transparent and accountable board, more robust college and career opportunities for our students, more parent and community involvement, and always make decisions that benefit students.

OCCUPATION: Family Childcare Business Owner

EDUCATION: Universidad Nacional de Educacion Enrique Guzman y Valle. Lima, Peru. 4 years of studies in General Education, 1982-1987 Certified Parent Liason, San Diego State University, 2010 Sacramento Community Colleges, General Classes

FAMILY: Briza Luardi Cardenas, daughter, college student at De Paul University, Chicago, Il. Daryl Cardenas, son, high school sophomore

PUBLIC SERVICE EXPERIENCE: Frequently requested parent advocate for Special Education students during their IEP meetings, 2005-present; Frequently requested parent advocate for students SST meetings, 2002-present; Member, English Learner Advisory Committee, Natomas Unified School District, 2000-present; Secured a national PTA Wellness Grant (the only one in NUSD ) as the PTA President at Leroy F. Greene Middle School, 2010; Seasoned PTA and PTSA member. Fulfilled functions as President, Vice president, Secretary and Treasurer at American Lakes Elementary School, Natomas High School and Leroy F. Greene Middle School, 2001-2010; Chair, District English Learner Advisory Committee. Responsible for reviewing and approving budget and expenditures for English Learners, 2006, 2008, and 2009; Introduced the first Parent Institute and Quality Education program in NUSD at Leroy F. Greene Middle School, 2009; School Site Council Member, Natomas High School, reviewed and approved school expenditures, 2007-2009; Host mentor at American Lakes Elementary School, 2006; Volunteer, START program, American Lakes Elementary School, 2002-2008; Member, District Achievement GAP Committee, 2003; Volunteered and lobbied for measures M, D, E, 2003; Collected signatures, raised funds, and lobbied within the community to save the after school START program at American Lakes and Bannon Creek Elementary Schools, 2001. The program serves 300 students per year.