I am a wife, mother of five, grandmother, small business owner, nonprofit executive, arts educator, and youth advocate who believes deeply in the power of education, service, and opportunity.

Raised by a single mother who dedicated her life to public education, I learned early that hard work, integrity, and compassion can change lives. My mother made sure my three older brothers and I had access to quality education, enrichment opportunities, and the confidence to believe that anything was possible. Her example shaped my lifelong commitment to serving others and investing in future generations.

My journey in the arts began at the age of three and eventually led me to study at UCLA before transferring to Chaminade University of Honolulu, where I focused on dance, kinesiology, and physical therapy studies. I also studied dance at Riverside City College and was proud to benefit from Career Technical Education (CTE) programs that helped shape my path. I later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Walden University and am currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration (MBA).

In 2007, I founded the ballet program for the Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet, creating opportunities for youth throughout the Inland Empire through apprenticeships, mentorship, scholarships, and work-based learning pathways in the performing arts. Since then, more than 70 students from underserved communities have gone on to pursue higher education and professional careers in the arts and entertainment industry.

To further expand my work in arts education, I earned my California Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Teaching Credential in 2012 and have taught for organizations including the Riverside Unified School District Enrichment Program and the Riverside Arts Council. I also founded the Inland Empire Dance Festival, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and elevating dance and arts education throughout the region.

My passion for serving children — especially those from underserved communities and children with special needs — inspired me to create programs such as “Ballet Buddies” and community dance scholarship initiatives throughout the Inland Empire. Beyond the arts, I have supported charitable efforts including “Dancing for a Cure,” benefiting breast cancer research and awareness initiatives.

Over the years, I have been honored to receive recognition including San Bernardino County Distinguished Woman of the Year nominee, the City of Grand Terrace recognition for arts advocacy and scholarship programs, and the “Unforgettable Hearts” Award presented by Assemblyman Mike Morrell and Inland Empire Magazine. I have also served as Legislative Chair for the Riverside Woman’s Club and as a panelist for the NAACP ACT-SO Program.

Community leadership continues to be at the center of my work. I currently serve on nonprofit boards including Creative Habitat, Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet, Inc., and Riverside PRIDE. In 2021, I was re-elected as a Delegate to the 63rd Assembly District and continue to advocate for arts, education, equity, and community engagement.

In January 2023, I was appointed Area 3 Trustee for the Riverside County Board of Education, representing portions of Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Val Verde Unified School Districts. I currently serve on the Policy & Legislative, Equity & Access, and Budget & Facilities Committees. I am also proud to be an EMERGE America Class of 2023 alumna.

As the daughter of a public-school educator, wife of a public school safety and security director, mother to a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and great-granddaughter of Louisiana, Texas, and Cuban farmers, I carry with me a deep appreciation for resilience, inclusion, and public service.

My husband John and I are proud longtime Riverside residents raising our blended family together. As the first African American woman to serve on the Riverside County Board of Education, I remain committed to ensuring every student, educator, and family has a voice and the opportunity to succeed.