PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

I was born and raised in Ventura County, the daughter and granddaughter of farmworkers. My

parents and family taught me the value of family, hard work, and service. During these

formative years, I learned that education was the key to achieving my full potential. I am the

proud product of public education and have several family members who are teachers in our

public school system.

After graduating from high school, I attended U.C. Berkeley where I earned a bachelor’s degree

in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business. At Cal, I worked with local

community organizations and was active in student government. I continued my education at

Harvard University, where I earned a Master’s in Public Policy from the John. F. Kennedy

School of Government and I then returned to Berkeley to earn my law degree.

I began my legal career as a civil rights attorney at the Mexican American Legal Defense and

Educational Fund where I worked on issues related to language-based discrimination and voting

rights. I moved into private practice after five years. Over the last 25 years, I have represented

private and public entities in their labor and employment matters and have received statewide

recognition for my work. [Daily Journal’s Top Women Lawyers, Top Municipal Lawyers, Top

Women Litigators, and recognized as a Super Lawyer every year since 2004.]

I have held numerous leadership positions in my firm, serving as the Partner-in-Charge of our

headquarters office and most recently being appointed to Chief Operating Officer.

I have also served on numerous boards over the years that have focused on educational

opportunities. Here is a listing of some of them:

Campaign for College Opportunity Board Member

Berkeley Law Alumni Association Board Member

MALDEF, President Board of Directors

Former Board Member, Rio Hondo College Foundation