A Commitment to Public Service

I was a public school student until college. My parents weren’t able to help with homework, but they knew the importance of a good education. We had limited means, so getting good grades was important to earning scholarships. I was an Illinois Merit Scholar, and LULAC Scholar and earned a scholarship from my dad’s union, IBEW. This along with student loans and a work-study program, helped tremendously. Without these things, I wouldn't have been able to graduate with an Urban Studies degree from Brown University.  

While in college, I served as a minority peer counselor, helping other students of color navigate the rigorous demands of an elite university. I also interned in Washington, DC with a community organization called the Higher Achievement Program (HAP). The organization was dedicated to the educational advancement of inner-city youth. I worked with students on improving entrance exam test scores, college applications, and personal essays. With our help, many of the students were accepted to four-year colleges and some to Ivy League schools. 

I returned to Chicago after college to volunteer at the 1996 Democratic National Convention held at the United Center. This led me to a job with the Illinois General Assembly supporting a Latina Representative and managing media production for all house members. I commuted to Springfield while the house was in session. While in Chicago, I supported Rep. Sonia Silva’s office with community events and communications. My role as a media producer also had me traveling to swing districts in Illinois to support Democratic candidates. I produced local shows to air on public access channels and organized PSA’s and live feeds from the Capitol.  

My media experience led me to Leo Burnett/Starcom where I worked for almost 20 years. During this time, I entered into small business ownership by chance, first as the owner of the Alliance Bakery and then the Wicker Park Inn. I’ve been a member of the Wicker Park/Bucktown and West Town Chamber of Commerce since the early 2000s and have served on the board for the last few years. I’m also the President of the Chicago Bed and Breakfast Association. 

My kids keep me especially busy.  I have four teenagers in four different CPS high schools - ChiArts, Lane Tech, Lincoln Park, and Jones Academy. I serve as a parent representative on the Lincoln Park High School local school council (LSC). 

I am so grateful for all these experiences. I am committed to civic involvement. I have an entrepreneurial spirit that is all about improving our community and giving back.