Seattle students deserve more than a good education – they deserve a transformative education.  As a mother of public school students, I’ve seen the best of what Seattle schools have to offer.  I’ve also seen the frustrations. From special education to lesser-known issues, like lack of state funding for school nurses, it’s time for Seattle Public Schools to address some real challenges.

I bring the experience needed to do just that.  As President of Seattle Council PTSA, I’ve led groups of parents, community stakeholders, and elected officials, delivering results for Seattle students.  As chairperson of “Kids Not Cuts”, I worked with legislators to prevent significant cuts to local school budgets.  I also bring a wealth of experience in finance and budgeting.  As we navigate Seattle Schools’ financial future, I will prioritize accountability and transparency. 

I am deeply passionate about equity in education.  As a Native American parent, I’ve worked with the District to give voice to indigenous and other marginalized students.  I support expanding the District’s dual-language options to prepare our children for success in an expanding world.  I also support culturally-responsive programming to address racial disparities, and I will fight to fund more comprehensive special education services.

Real effectiveness isn’t shown by mere résumé entries. It’s shown by the trust you earn.  That’s why I’m proud to have the support of Sen. Jamie Pedersen, Sen. David Frockt, Rep. Gerry Pollet, The Stranger, Seattle Education Association, King County Democrats, Womxn of Color in Education, OneAmerica Votes, School Board members Jill Geary and Zachary DeWolf, and countless education advocates, parents, and neighborhood leaders citywide.

Nothing is more important to me than being a champion for our kids.  I would be honored to serve as your champion, too.  I ask for your vote.  Pinagigi (“thank you” in HoChunk language)!

All of our children deserve to learn with dignity, peace and freedom. 

As a daughter of Mexican immigrant parents, I grew up watching my mother struggle to find work and resources for our family. I was placed in special education classes for speaking Spanish and was the translator for my mother at school events. These experiences strengthened my resolve and led me towards wanting to improve education policy. Now I am committed to being a leader for our youth and serving those who are struggling. 

While with AmeriCorps, I taught in after-school programs, worked with single moms, and foster children. I graduated with my Masters in Education Policy, Leadership focused on “Youth Undoing Institutional Racism”. I have worked with partners from the Seattle Educators Association and Seattle Public Schools to address systemic disparities in education. I collaborated with juvenile justice professionals, legislators, and advocates to develop and implement diversion interventions for youth in the juvenile system. I bring expertise in financial planning and budget management from my time at UW. 

With the 5th largest opportunity gap in the nation, we must urgently work to rectify the inequities our students face. I will address the disproportionality of our current disciplinary practices that harm students of color. I will develop community-based and culturally responsive alternatives to suspensions and expulsions. I also support an ethnic studies graduation requirement, expanding STEM opportunities for girls, and dual-language instruction programs. 

Children deserve a leader that represents them. They need to see their diversity, immigrant backgrounds, and working class struggles reflected in leadership like me. 

Endorsed by: Seattle School Board Directors Eden Mack and Scott Pinkham, Councilmembers Lorena Gonzalez and Teresa Mosqueda, 46th and 43rd Democrats, UAW 4121, Ironworkers Local 86, State Senators Joe Nguyen and Bob Hasegawa, and King County Young Democrats