About Me

I am a queer Latina born to an immigrant father and a teenage mother. The first person in my family to go to college, the first to come out as queer, and the first to earn a master's degree— I know well that my value runs deep and is fed by a lineage of ancestors whose dreams and sacrifices landed me where I am today.

With a diverse lived experience and a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, I have a deep social, racial, and gender justice analysis and understand the psychosocial effects of marginalization and systems of oppression. I’ve dedicated the last 20+ years to social service, working with and advocating for myriad communities: seniors, adults and teens with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ youth, incarcerated women and their families, and indigenous and other communities of color. 

As a skilled group facilitator, community builder, and consultant I use techniques from Theatre of the Oppressed and Playback Theatre as tools not only for storytelling but also for exploration, examination, change, and healing.

Additionally, I’m an elected official serving as Mayor of Nevada City, California on unceded Nisenan land. As the youngest person on Council, and also as Mayor, I bring a much-needed fresh perspective and a social justice lens to our rural northern California community. 

The face of American politics is changing, and I find myself continually inspired by all the women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ folks who have stepped into positions of leadership in towns and cities across the nation. I believe now is the time for us all to step forward and help make our communities equitable and safe for all.

We have so much work to do- Let’s do it together!