From the age of 6, when I declared to my mother that “I want to be a children’s rights attorney because kids have rights too!” I have always sought ways to bring justice and equity to the world and elevate the voices of the next generation. I believe deeply in the future of California and have had many pivotal moments along the way that have inspired me to engage more and more in creating equity in schools.
I remember vividly my high school guidance counselor telling me I wasn’t college material. I was discouraged and started to believe this false narrative about myself. With the support of dedicated educators and my family, I found the confidence to pursue a degree and resolved that no student should ever feel the way I did in high school. While in college, I participated in the Panetta Institute and was selected to intern for Congresswoman Barbara Lee during the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind. That work inspired me to enter the classroom as a middle school teacher hoping to have a direct impact on the lives of our students in California.
I transitioned to the state legislature to focus more deeply on impacting policies in service of kids to ensure that their rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their education is equitable. My family has lived and engaged in education in California for generations and I am proud to continue that legacy as the CEO of GO and an advocate for our students and families across the state.