I am single working mother who is dedicated to creating a meaningful life for my children and I in Mendocino County. I have experienced the difficulties of poverty in struggling to provide for my family but was determined not to be defined by my circumstances. I returned to school and earned a credential as a Substance Abuse Counselor at Mendocino College. I have worked for Mendocino County since 2006 as a treatment provider for adolescents and adults. I understand what it means to learn from my community and give back. I have been a steering-committee member for the Ukiah Coalition for Gang Prevention, Vice-Chair as a Mendocino County Delinquency & Juvenile Justice Commissioner, Native American Liaison Leadership Coordinator at Pomolita Middle School and Graduate of Leadership Mendocino Class 13. I currently sit on the Executive Board for the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 as the Mendocino County Area Representative and have been a Chief Steward and Negotiator. I am running for office because I believe that all people should have a voice in the decision making process that affects them and their community. As an advocate for the underserved and vulnerable, I am not afraid to take an independent stand on tough issues and speak my mind on principal. I have made a personal pledge to find solutions to the problems that confront our county, including safeguarding living wage jobs, supporting our schools and keeping our communities safe.