My Story
A Life Defined by Resilience and Service
From Hardship to Advocacy
My journey didn’t start in a boardroom or a political office; it began in a financially tight, single-mother household. Navigating the world as a bi-racial queer kid with dyslexia and vision impairments, I learned early on that the path to success isn’t always paved—sometimes, you have to build the road yourself.
Rooted in Community, Driven by Purpose
Long before I considered public office, I was on the ground serving. My family taught me that gratitude is an action. As a young adult, I volunteered with the Salvation Army—mowing lawns, distributing food, and even cleaning toilets. Our family’s commitment to global citizenship led us to recycle bottles to fund bicycles for families in India and support children across the globe. These experiences instilled in me a core belief: people are inherently valuable, and our purpose is to better one another’s lives.
A Global Perspective on Local Issues
I spent eight years traveling the world on a shoestring budget, teaching English, Art, and Computers. This wasn’t a luxury vacation. I backpacked through the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, often sleeping in hostels or under the stars, carrying everything I owned on my back.
My perspective was forged in the crucibles of the world:
- In Egypt, I lived through a revolution that awakened my political soul.
- In Palestine, I vowed to spend my life making the world a more just place.
- In Cambodia, witnessing extreme poverty deepened my commitment to empathy and equity.
Returning Home
Coming back to the U.S. meant starting from zero. I experienced homelessness for months, working at a Taco Bell within walking distance of a shelter while saving every penny. That perseverance led me to community college and eventually to UC Davis, where I earned my degree in Political Science. I have survived childhood poverty, political revolutions, and homelessness. I have been tear-gassed and interrogated while standing up for what’s right. These experiences haven’t made me cynical; they have made me an advocate.
Today, I work in politics to connect our community with the tools and resources needed to thrive. I am running for City Council District 2 to elevate the voices that are too often ignored. My goal is simple: to use my knowledge and my resilience to represent your needs and craft a better Rancho Cordova, starting now.