Due to hard work, sacrifice, and the support of my parents, I was able to complete a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA and a M.A. in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University. From financial stability to better quality of life, a quality post-secondary education has forever changed the life of my family and future generations. But most importantly, it has given me the power of self-determination.

My life experience has demonstrated that my success is not mine alone. In addition to encouragement from my parents, I was supported by numerous individuals and nonprofits that provided the systems I needed to succeed. Over the years I developed a deep appreciation for the role of nonprofits and thus have committed my professional career to be part of this field. By being part of the nonprofit sector, I have increased the opportunity for others in my community. For more than 18 years I have played multiple roles, from intern, coordinator, translator, manager, director, VP to ultimately President & CEO of FIS.

I joined FIS as the Director of Advocacy and later VP of Programs, I took over as President & CEO in 2011. Prior to FlS, I was a Program Director for Community Partners, directing projects in community technology and civic engagement. I also served as Senior Program Manager at the Center for Civic Education, where I managed an international network of civil society organizations, school districts, universities, and foundations working to implement civic engagement programs for students and youth throughout the United States and Latin America. I have also worked for the National Democratic Institute in Washington DC, CARECEN and GUIA in Los Angeles.

Among our demands was an end to corporal punishment for speaking Spanish in class, and the inclusion of bilingual and ethnic studies.

I am deeply proud to have been a part of a student movement that raised public consciousness and awareness of the inequities in our public schools, and one that is the legacy reflected in today’s student movement. Then as now, we have a moral urgency to ensure that all students receive a quality education no matter their zip code. I am fortunate to be the first in my family to earn a college degree. I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University Los Angeles, and went on to University of Southern California for my graduate studies.

Prior to my time at FIS, I worked as a School Counselor in Los Angeles Unified School District, and as an Academic Advisor with the federally funded TRIO Programs based at the University of Southern California.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master’s Degree in Education-Counseling from the University of Southern California, as well as a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (P.P.S.).

I have been working in the field of education, specifically college and career readiness, for over 17 years.  I know what a difference having access to, and being prepared for, higher education can make in someone’s life.  I am a first-generation college student myself, and I am passionate about giving back, and helping others to support our families that need it most.

In my previous roles as a Senior Manager of Training for the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence, Curriculum Professional Development Manager for Families In Schools, Education Program Manager for Citizenship Counts, Program Manager and State Coordinator for the Center for Civic Education, and Master Trainer for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, I have been responsible for standardizing best practices, updating and developing curriculum, seminar materials and collaterals, and developing and conducting professional development modules and workshops for a wide range of stakeholders including school, district, county, and agency staff; parents; teachers and community members. I have also been responsible for administering statewide law related/civic engagement programs, developing mentoring opportunities, volunteer coordination and management, and creating opportunities for professional collaboration between schools, community, organization and civic leaders.

Prior to working for Rio Hondo College, I served as the Program Director of a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of children and families living in public housing. This organization helped me develop a passion for college access & education and allowed me to see the inequalities that children living in low-socioeconomic communities face. For over 15 years I worked in various nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

I was a transfer student from East Los Angeles College and obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of La Verne.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Feminist Studies from UC Santa Cruz, and am currently pursuing a Master of Science in educational counseling, with a PPS credential from the University of La Verne.

I grew up in Northeast Los Angeles and I am one of five children to graduate from college. I received a BA in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles with a focus in Directed Subject Matter Teacher Preparation. Drawing from my professional and college experience, I am a passionate advocate in providing families with resources and program services to ensure their children receive a high-quality education and achieve academic success.

We also provide direct technical assistance to LEA teams to coach and assist them as they seek to grow and improve their parent engagement practices, giving parents an authentic voice in partnerships with their school leaders.

I’m passionate about working with families, schools, and school districts to build support for today’s students. Our schools can and need to do better. Whether it’s training school staff to support families and students, or creating curriculums to build the capacity of parents to support their child, I am committed to doing my best every day to ensure that our students have the opportunities for success that they deserve.

My position morphed into a Community Relations role where I have been entitled to a $75-$125k budget supervising education campaigns where I work with over 100 educational institutions throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area. The best part about it is that I get to interact with all of the families and community members face-to-face.

When I am not at Families In Schools taking care of super awesome projects, I am writing. When I am not writing, I am probably reading or catching up on my Netflix, Hulu or PBS cue. Sometimes a stretch is needed so walks to the park and hikes are essential to my wellbeing.

My community work began in college where I spent 3 years assisting with programing for a LGBTQ Resource Center focused on providing resources for the students of California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). I later completed a PR/Marketing internship with Ryman Arts, a youth arts non-profit that specializes in free college level coursework and career guidance for high school students looking to pursue their dreams in the arts. I received my B.A. in Art History and Communications from CSUF.

During my free time I love to immerse myself in the vibrant culture of Los Angeles through the arts and live music.

My work with the families of Los Angeles and Moreno Valley, has allowed me to pay it forward by reinvesting in communities like the one I grew up in. I believe that the time I take to speak to a family will make a difference in the academic success of their children.

I facilitated numerous student and parent workshops, similar to those that my mother received when she was a student. Working directly with families is one of my greatest passions along with serving the community I grew up in. I want all students and families to have all the essential tools to make college a reality for them. My goal is to give back the priceless information II was once given.

Prior to joining FIS, she worked as a professional expert in college advising and admissions for the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs at UCLA. She managed and coordinated the implementation of student-centered activities, conducted training workshops for undergraduate students, parents, teachers, and counselors on admission requirements, academic advisement, and college readiness. For eight years, she was part of UCLA’s Undergraduate Admission’s reader team. She also has worked with a variety of community organizations throughout Los Angeles to implement educational projects for families, teachers, and counselors. She has 20 years experience in the field of program design/management, professional development, parent/student engagement, curriculum development, college admissions, and academic advising.