As a high school science teacher and mentor of a youth robotics team, I’ve seen first-hand how much safe, high-quality schools improve our communities and the futures of our children and how resources like after-school programs keep students safe and thriving.

When our children were missing these opportunities, I created them. I founded a youth nonprofit called TeraWatts Initiative dedicated to ensuring quality education for students pursuing careers in science, technology, and the arts. My husband and I also provide scholarships to two seniors who graduate from Terawatts to help the dream of a college education be realized. Amidst federal ICE raids, I patrolled my local elementary school with teachers at 186th Elementary to support students and teachers to make sure they felt safe and supported on their first day of school.

I partnered with FIRST Lego Leagues STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) afterschool programs in Compton and Carson to help students when they were left without support. Whether connecting kids to hands-on learning, or providing SAT/ACT exam tutoring, I made sure our students had access to the tools, mentorship, and confidence they needed to be prepared to go to college or career training programs and start successful careers.

 Our children and our educators can’t wait any longer for action. I’ll fight to protect public education and the increased investments our schools need to provide the education our children deserve. As a New Teacher Mentor and Science Department Chair at the Jordan High School complex, I advocated for my fellow teachers to ensure they were given the resources they needed to support our students. 

As your Assemblymember, I will work to ensure every student has access to high-quality education by:

• Ensuing teachers and staff are paid fairly.

• Fully funding public education from early childhood through higher education so every student has the resources they need to succeed.

• Closing corporate property tax loopholes to generate stable funding for our schools and communities.

• Opposing privatization and outsourcing of student support services to keep these services accountable to the public and the communities they serve.

• Strengthening recruitment and retention programs, especially for faculty of color and first-generation educators.

• Expanding financial aid, tuition relief, and student support services so higher education is accessible to low-income and working-class students.

• Investing in mentorship, academic support, and pathway programs that support students of color from K–12 through college and careers.