I am requesting the endorsement of the Hays County Young Democrats because I want to represent everyone in District 5, and your support is a trust signal. Your endorsement is a way that young constituents can get introduced to me, what I stand for and my campaign. I want to meet and learn from as many groups and individuals as possible because I will be a better public servant if I know what people want and need.

I’m a mom, nonprofit leader, former educator, and fifth-generation Texan running for the Texas State Board of Education. A proud product of Austin ISD schools and a first-generation college graduate, I believe deeply in public education because it shaped my own life.

Now the parent of two young children, I’m focused on strengthening Texas public schools so every student has access to a high-quality education, regardless of zip code, language, or learning needs. Education and service have guided my career. I taught at St. Edward’s University, and have worked across education, healthcare, law, and nonprofit sectors. My experience includes work with LifeWorks addressing youth homelessness and literacy, and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, leading the nationally recognized Hispanic Austin Leadership program. The nonprofit I now lead serves youth ages 3-18 and encourages volunteerism.

I currently serve as Secretary of the Board of Integral Care, and sit on its Finance Committee overseeing a budget of $100M+. I’m also Chair of the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Board. My additional service includes advisory roles with Explore Austin, the St. Edward’s School of Arts & Humanities Advisory Board, and the Austin Community Foundation Hispanic Impact Fund.

Born and raised in South Austin in a working class family, I earned my bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University, a master’s from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, and am a graduate and ambassador of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School at the University of Texas.

My top three goals as a member of the Texas State Board of Education are to better support students; support, sustain and recruit educators; and protect curriculum standards. Each goal aligns directly with the Board’s responsibility to adopt curriculum standards, oversee instructional materials, and set long-term direction for public education in Texas.

1. Better support students to ensure opportunity for all.

I will advocate for curriculum standards and instructional materials that reflect the diverse learning needs of Texas students, including English Language Learners and students receiving special education services or those who need other supports to learn. I will work with educators, families, and experts during the public review process to ensure materials are accessible, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive. I will also prioritize alignment between standards and real classroom needs so students are supported beyond high-stakes testing. Education is an equalizer, and I believe every child deserves a quality public education, no matter where they live, the language they speak at home, or the supports they need to learn.

2. Support, sustain and recruit educators.

Teachers are essential to student success, and the Board must ensure its decisions respect their professionalism. I will push for curriculum standards that are clear, reducing unnecessary burden on educators. Strengthening our public education system requires recruiting and retaining a diverse, highly qualified teaching workforce, including bilingual educators and teachers prepared to meet the needs of all learners. We must support multiple, high-quality pathways into the profession and remove unnecessary barriers to entry while maintaining rigorous standards. Professional development should be meaningful, relevant, and not merely compliance-driven. By centering educator voice in SBOE discussions and votes, I will help create conditions that improve retention and strengthen the teacher pipeline.

3. Protect strong, honest curriculum standards.

Our students need curriculum standards that are accurate and rigorous and prepare them for college, career, and civic life. Strong standards should be grounded in evidence, aligned with student development, and informed by educators and subject-matter experts, not derived from political agendas. In social studies, for example, students deserve curriculum that builds a foundation in history, geography, government, and economics while incorporating culture and differing viewpoints. Curriculum should not be revised or removed simply because history is complex, uncomfortable, or challenging to confront. By learning multiple perspectives and developing critical thinking skills, students are better prepared to participate actively and contribute thoughtfully in their communities.

I have worked with board members who have differing viewpoints and have been successful in getting things accomplished.

At the moment, I would choose Golden by KPop Demon Hunters. This song would not have originally made it on my list, but it is a song that my elementary kids and their friends love. I used it for the music on my campaign social announcement, and my 5-year-old nephew called to tell me he saw my picture and that he was sure his cousins had picked the awesome song. This campaign is about lifting all students up, and Golden literally makes them jump up and down. The song makes me happy, and it makes me think of all the kids in my life. It’s silly, but also powerful.

I do not support the current state of ICE and have posted in my social stories as well as spoken out at demonstrations against ICE. I have not participated in Hays County yet, but intend to continue fighting and speaking out against ICE.

I do not support the use of ALPRs or AI policing technology. I have not fought this in Hays County, but have publicly addressed the use of AI policing technology with members of the Austin Parks & Recreation Board and with community members in Austin. And when a vote regarding the Automated License Plate Reader technology was coming up at Austin City Council I voiced my concerns.

I do not support AI data centers or similar projects in our area. I believe they are being rushed in under the guise of bringing jobs, without looking closely at the future effects they will have on the environment. Hays County already has significant issues with water preservation and conservation, and these AI data centers are going to compound those problems. With a data center currently being proposed in San Marcos and another coming to Uhland, I have been actively educating myself on the short- and long-term impacts of AI data centers so I can advocate against them. Beyond water use, these projects also place a major strain on our local power grid and infrastructure, while providing relatively few permanent jobs in return. Our community should not be asked to sacrifice its natural resources and long-term sustainability for short-term corporate gains that mostly benefit outside interests.

Yes, Israel has committed and continues to commit genocide against Palestinians.