I am a mom, wife, small business owner, non-profit leader, and youth advocate. Please allow me to share more...
I was raised by a single mom. A public school educator, who made sure my 3 older brothers and I had a quality education, opportunities in everything, love and to know that anything is possible & attainable. Growing up with such a strong influence, she showed us and led by example that hard work & integrity is essential for a productive life; especially acts of service.
Briefly, I attended UCLA before transferring to Chaminade University of Honolulu to study Dance, Physical Therapy and Kinesiology. I also studied dance at Riverside City College and am a PROUD product of CTE. I have given back by providing opportunities for youth within the performing arts through Apprenticeships & Work-Education pathways.
In 2007, I began the Ballet Program for the Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet where 70+ low-income students from various Inland Empire communities went on to receive higher education degrees within the arts and many deciding to forgo a college degree and become professional performers. To pursue my career in teaching in both private and public sectors, I received my California VAPA Teaching Credential in 2012.
Having a strong “village” and something to be passionate about has led me down the path I began at the age of 3. I am the founder of the Inland Empire Dance Festival and have taught dance for the Riverside Unified School District’s Enrichment Program, the Riverside Arts Council and many more.
Meet Jamie
Through my passion for the arts education of children from underserved communities and children with special needs, I created “Ballet Buddies”, and dance scholarships for underserved communities throughout the Inland Empire. In addition to the arts, I have received numerous VIP invitations to appear at the Breast Cancer Research Foundations’ charity events, for outstanding efforts in helping to find a cure with the fundraising event “Dancing for a Cure”. I was nominated in 2008 as one of San Bernardino County’s Distinguished Women of the Year and honored by the City of Grand Terrace for my dance scholarship program, fundraising, and contributions to the performing arts.
I am a recipient of Assemblyman Mike Morrell, and the Inland Empire Magazine “Unforgettable Hearts” award, Legislative Chair for the Riverside Woman’s Club and a former Panelist with the NAACP ACT-SO Program.
Currently, I sit on the board for 3 non-profits Creative Habitat, the Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet, Inc. & Riverside PRIDE Board of Directors.
In 2021, I was re-elected to the 63rd Assembly as a Delegate, and am the Arts & Culture Chair for the Riverside Woman’s Club.
I am the Daughter of a public-school educator, wife of a Director for public school safety & security, Mother to someone from the LGBTQ community and Great-Granddaughter of Louisiana, Texas & Cuban Farmers. As a mom of 5, I understand the need for hard work, safety and everyone’s right to a quality education while being part of the solution. Problem solving, public service, multi tasking, leading, mentoring and having integrity are part of who I am.
In January 2023, I was appointed as the Area 3 Trustee overseeing portions of Riverside, Moreno Valley & Val Verde Unified School Districts. As your Area 3 Trustee, I currently serve on 3 Committees; Policy & Legislative, Equity & Access and the Budget & Facilities Committee’s.
Most recently, I became an EMERGE America class of 2023 Alumnae. My husband John and I are a blended family, long time Riverside residents and the proud parents of 5. As the first African American Woman to serve on the Riverside County Board of Education, I promise to continue to give ALL students, staff and Teachers a voice.
As your area 3 Trustee, I will continue to advocate for ALL students. Always focusing on their right to an education, that is equitable and at the pace right for them and their needs.
Jamie4RCOE