My Childhood
I was raised in a proud Mexican American family rooted in hard work, sacrifice, culture, and love. Both of my parents are from Poncitlán, Jalisco, Mexico. My mother immigrated to the United States when she was just 8 years old, and my father came at 17. They met and married in Chicago, and together they built a life centered around family, perseverance, and opportunity. On both sides of my family, my grandparents came to this country through the Bracero Program, and some of my uncles did as well. That history lives with me every day. It is a reminder that my story, and the story of so many families in our community, was built on the labor, courage, and dreams of those who came before us.
I come from a very big family. My father is one of 13 siblings, my mother is one of 7, and I grew up with my first cousins. My dad worked as a landscaper throughout my childhood and now works as a laborer. My mom did whatever it took to help make ends meet—babysitting, cleaning houses, working as an instructional assistant and medical assistant, and even earning her cosmetology license. Even with all the hard work and sacrifice, my childhood was full of joy. I grew up with my two sisters between Southern California and Poncitlán, Jalisco. When I was 8, my mother took us to live in her hometown because she believed deeply that culture shapes language, identity, and belonging. We returned to Duarte, California permanently when I was 13. I attended Duarte High School, where more than 80% of the students were of Mexican American descent, and that experience further grounded me in the strength, pride, and shared identity of my community.
Some of my happiest memories are of playing in the yard with my sisters, putting on little dancing and singing shows, pretending to play school, and being surrounded by cousins, laughter, and love. I also grew up dancing folklórico through our church’s folklórico program, which gave me an even deeper connection to my culture, tradition, and community. Growing up in such a large and close-knit family shaped who I am. Our holidays were huge, joyful gatherings full of food, music, storytelling, and togetherness. My mother made us a homemade meal every single day, and our home was grounded in care, resilience, and family pride. I loved growing up surrounded by so many loved ones, and those experiences taught me the values I carry with me today: stay humble, work hard, love your people, and never forget where you come from.
Motherhood
Of all the titles I have ever held, the one I am proudest of is “Mom”. Being a mother to my four children has been the greatest honor of my life. Raising them—much of that journey as a single mother—has shaped me in ways nothing else ever could. It was not always easy, but I would not change it for the world. In many ways, it is amazing to think that I gave birth to four of my closest friends in life. Each of my children came into this world to teach me something no one else could. Through motherhood, I learned just how deep, powerful, and unconditional love can be. Being a mother taught me what it means to center someone else’s needs, dreams, and well-being before your own comfort. I would do anything for my children, and I know with all my heart that they would do anything for me too.
I am more than proud of the incredible people they are becoming. All four of my children have attended Woodburn schools, and the ones who have completed school are proud graduates of Woodburn schools as well. Eddie loves history and teaches me something new every day. Sammy is an amazing chef and has brought so much joy into my life through food and creativity. Cesar will graduate from Woodburn High School this year, and I could not be prouder of the young man he is. And Tzitzlali, with her joyful spirit, is a cheerleader who brings light, energy, and happiness everywhere she goes. My children are my heart, my motivation, and my greatest source of pride. Motherhood has made me stronger, softer, wiser, and more grounded in what truly matters. It is the role that has most deeply shaped my values, my purpose, and the way I move through the world.
Labor organizing
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found my calling in the labor movement. As my mother often says, luck is when the prepared meets opportunity. I was studying to become a teacher at Portland State University when the national AFL-CIO came to speak in one of my social justice courses about labor unions. I still remember how deeply that conversation impacted me. The idea that working people could come together, belong to a union, and have a legally binding collective bargaining agreement to protect their wages, benefits, and working conditions truly blew my mind. Growing up, I watched my father work hard and sometimes not get paid, with no real recourse and no one to hold employers accountable. Learning that unions gave workers power, protection, and a voice gave me both hope and direction. In that moment, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to protecting working people.
That path has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have had the privilege of fighting alongside classified employees in school districts, standing with healthcare workers at OHSU through Local 328, and for the last six years, working with teachers across the Mid-Valley. Helping workers protect and expand good wages, strong benefits, and fair working conditions has been more than a career—it has been a dream come true. The labor movement gave me purpose, community, and a way to turn my values into action. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to do this work, and I carry that gratitude with me every day.
