About Me
I'm not your average politician...
I'm not even a politician! I'm just an everyday working class citizen of the San Fernando Valley who decided it's time to stop talking and start taking action. I am the chair for the Arts & Cultural Committee of the Pacoima Neighborhood Council and have been working with seniors for the last ten years.
I've lived in the Valley nearly my whole life. I've moved in and out of the same house my hardworking parents purchased when I was 6 years old. My family home will always be my home.
I am a first generation Mexican American and a third generation Japanese American. I became a single mom of three when my youngest was 4 years old. Having been a teen mom and then a single mom, I decided to beat the odds and go back to school because in my mind, this was the only way I would be able to provide a good life for my kids. I didn't stop until I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Northridge. Even through financial hardships, my family never stopped supporting my journey.
When I finally got a job in my field, I did not receive medical insurance from my employer, even though I was working full-time for a position that required a master's degree. The insurance I qualified for through Covered California, just did not fit into my budget, but I needed health insurance. I tried to pay the premium for a couple months, which was all I could barely scrape up before I realized, I really couldn't afford seeing a doctor! I couldn't afford the premiums, let alone, the co-pay, needless to say, I went for a while without seeing a doctor and getting the medication I needed.
To say that I worked in the health care industry and couldn't afford healthcare for myself, is just incomprehensible. To say that I was lucky enough to have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, so that I qualified for Medi-Cal, is just sad... Though I was very thankful to receive treatment for my cancer, shame on the U.S. and shame on California to have to get breast cancer to qualify for Medi-Cal!
Alliance and Advocacy
I believe in Girl (Woman) Power! Women in history have fought hard to get us to where we are now and we can't go back. We still have some ways to go. I will always stand up for women's rights.
Never underestimate the power of a woman!
I have been an ally for the LGBTIQ+ community for as long as I can remember, it's safe to say, my favorite color is rainbow! Gay rights are human rights and I will always fight for the safety and well-being of our LGBTIQ+ community.
I am an advocate for seniors, which encouraged me to create We HELP You LIVE (WHYL), a non-profit to empower and encourage seniors to thrive while aging at home. I will make sure our elderly population is receiving the much needed services available to them.
I'm extremely passionate about mental health. The stigma of mental health therapy is detrimental to our community... depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, personality disorders... the list goes on and on. Early detection and treatment are key to making our community safer and healthier.