(pronouns: she/her/hers)

I was born in Watsonville, the first U.S.-born daughter of Mexican immigrant parents. As a small child, I remember vividly the day that Cesar Chavez came to our home: He was the first person who told me that I would be going to college. 

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After graduating from Watsonville High School, I went to UC-Berkeley and earned a BA in sociology. A few years later, as a new parent, I attended Golden Gate University in San Francisco and completed a master’s in public administration. A firm believer in the value of an ongoing education, I later received a certificate from the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions Program at the University of Southern California as a trained leader in behavioral health. 

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My career embodies my commitment to the advancement of opportunities for individuals whose voices are often disregarded in places of power. By leading and facilitating collaborations with partners across  various systems, I believe we can break down the barriers that get in the way of people thriving.

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As the CEO of Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc., I oversee our community-based mental health, substance abuse, and prevention services for more than 7,000 children and their families. I am fortunate to be using my visionary, equity-focused and outcome-driven skills to lead an organization that does so much for the community that raised me. I am committed to the idea that every individual should have a strong sense of wellbeing; it is the key to realizing their full potential. 

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I am a proud mother of two and married my best friend, Alejandro Chavez, a UC-Santa Cruz graduate whom I met in Watsonville through non-profit collaboration. Together, our family is rooted in values of social justice, equity, and respect for all.