The Roots that Shaped Me

Chapter 1: The Roots that Shaped Me

Come sit down. Let me tell you a little bit about where I come from and the journey that’s brought me here today.

I was born in San Francisco, right in the heart of the Bay Area, and grew up just a little south, in Daly City. This place shaped me in ways I didn’t even understand until much later. Growing up here meant more than just navigating diverse neighborhoods and riding BART trains—it meant learning the importance of community, resilience, and giving back. The Bay has always been more than just my home; it’s been my compass.

I didn’t start out knowing exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew one thing for sure: helping people made me feel alive. Over time, that passion evolved into a career. For the last 35 years, I’ve been an educator, advisor, consultant, and public servant. My work focuses on transforming systems that are vital to our most vulnerable people—like education, juvenile justice, foster care, and health care.?

In November 2011, I stepped into one of the most important roles of my life: I became a Governing Board Trustee for the Jefferson Elementary School District. Let me tell you, serving on that board has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve had the honor of being President four times and Vice President six times, but those titles mean less to me than the changes we’ve made for students. Every meeting, every tough decision, has been about one thing: ensuring our students get the education they deserve.

Leadership isn’t just about making rules—it’s about building bridges between people. And so, I’ve always taken on roles that help connect communities and schools. I’m proud to serve as a new commissioner on the San Mateo County Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission and as a member of the Leadership Corps Class of 2025. These roles keep me learning, growing, and giving back, which is exactly what I want to model for all of you.

Now, I know I’ve kept myself busy, but I’m never too busy to follow my passion for teaching. Through ASK Academy, I’ve created programs to help students, staff, and parents tackle real-life challenges—like bullying prevention, test-taking strategies, and positive discipline. And every day, when I step into my classroom at El Camino High School in South San Francisco to teach English and Health, I remind myself why I do this. It’s not just about grammar and essays—it’s about preparing my students for life.?

But teaching isn’t where it ends. I also serve on the board of Pacifica School Volunteers and advise the Daly City Youth Health Center. Each of these roles keeps me connected to what matters: building a stronger, healthier community. I’m proud of the work I’ve done—like my time managing health initiatives with the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council—because it has all been part of a bigger mission: making sure everyone has the tools they need to succeed.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—how did I end up in all these roles? Well, it wasn’t part of some grand plan. Life just works like that sometimes. My journey hasn’t always been linear—it’s taken a lot of twists and turns. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: service, leadership, and learning are what ground me. And those are the themes that have stayed with me, no matter where life has taken me.

You know, ASK Academy and my consulting work with Ali International Consultants have become like family to me—just like all of you. Through these organizations, I get to help students and adults learn skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. That’s why I wake up every day ready to take on new challenges: because I believe education is the key to changing lives.?

And as I look ahead to what’s next, with the Established Leadership Corps Class of 2025, I’m reminded that there’s always more to learn and more to give. That’s the beauty of life—you never stop growing.

So, if there’s one thing I want you to take away from all this, it’s this: no matter where life takes you, always look for ways to serve others. The world will open up to you when you give back, and you’ll find your way—even when the path isn’t straight. And don’t forget, your family and your community will always be there to support you, just like mine has been for me.

Alright, that’s enough storytelling for now. But remember, this journey I’m on isn’t just mine—it’s part of our family’s legacy too. One day, you’ll have your own story to tell, and I can’t wait to hear it.