I was born and raised in Fresno and educated by Fresno Unified schools. I attended Powers-Ginsburg Elementary, Computech, and Edison High School. After graduating, I went on to get my undergraduate degree in Sociology at UC Davis, where a mentor inspired me to go back in to education for my career as a way to create opportunities for more students and communities. I spent a few years working with a national principal preparation program, New Leaders, before going back to school myself and earning my Master’s degree in Sociology of Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
In 2012, I decided to move back home to Fresno and dedicate my career to bringing diverse communities together to address our communities’ shared needs and concerns. I did that work through Faith in the Valley, a multi-faith coalition of congregations and community-based organizations that together addressed issues such as substandard housing and gun violence.
For the past few years, I have had the honor of teaching in the Sociology Department at Fresno State, where my dad taught for 45 years before me. My mom was a School Psychologist for the Fresno County schools, so I am honored to be able to carry on in their footsteps of education and service.
Serving the school district that educated me and which I owe so much to is an incredible honor and responsibility I take as seriously as any.
Oh, and I have a dog named Bernie and when I’m not working, I’m probably cheering for the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors!