Community Activities:

2002-2007 Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica Pier Restoration Board of Directors: Appointed twice by the Santa Monica City Council

2002 to present Santa Monica, CA
Member, Santa Monica Greens

2002 Santa Monica, CA
City Council candidate: Ran as a Green for Santa Monica City Council

1997-1999 Santa Monica, CA
Westside Coalition for Peace and Social Justice Coordinator: Advocacy organization working towards increasing educational opportunity, developing leadership, and lobbying for affordable housing. Served as liaison between community based organizations and state representatives; structured and implemented programs for "at risk youth" with a focus on education and employment.

1996-1999 Los Angeles, CA
Chicana/o Studies Coalition
Co-founder: Proactive student oriented organization advocating for Chicana/o Studies, higher education, adult education, and development of cultural institutions. Planned and organized community forums, fundraising projects, and action research.

1992-1995 Los Angeles, CA
MEChA de UCLA
Retention Committee Representative: Education Coordinator and Women's Unit Coordinator: Chaired both the Women's Unit and Educational Committee; responsible for organizing political forums and workshops on issues relevant to the Chicana/o community.

1990-1991 Santa Monica, CA
United Farm Workers of America Union
Coordinator: Organized informative pickets and leafleting of targeted businesses; developed educational workshops that informed the public about the plight of farm workers in America.

 

 

Education: Teachers College, Columbia University - New York, New York
Master of Arts Degree in Curricula and Teaching (2002)

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - Los Angeles, California
Bachelors of Art Degree in Sociology (1998)
Bachelors of Arts Degree in Chicana and Chicano Studies (1998)

Work Experience:

12/00-01/02 Los Angeles, CA
Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing - Housing LA Campaign Coordinator: Planned and implemented public education and outreach strategies for a $100 million housing trust fund campaign; designed campaign literature, organized citywide forums, and lobbied elected officials; responsible for communication and collaboration with labor unions, non-profit agencies, developers and faith-based institutions in the greater Los Angeles area.

12/99-01/00 New York, NY
Teachers College Columbia University
Educator and Curriculum Developer: Managed educational process through evaluation of community indicators; developed culturally competent curriculum to meet state standards and community goals; identified and selected appropriate resources and instructional materials for students in predominantly underserved population; designed strategies to improve reading, writing, oral language and overall critical thinking skills.

1996-1999 Santa Monica, CA
City of Santa Monica/Terry Thelma Community Center Employment Counselor: Coordinated employment services for over 400 residents; marketed and promoted program services to local businesses and governmental agencies; maintained relationships with community based organizations, community leaders and local representatives in order to enhance program, evaluated community needs via focus groups and surveys; established year-round program planning goals; provided direct services such as: pre-employment assessments, case management, job training, and development for residents in search of career opportunities.

1992-1996 Los Angeles, CA
Associated Student Union, UCLA Recreational Department Assistant Manager: Processed payroll and allocated funds for facility management; managed over 25 budget accounts; supervised 15 employees; planned and assigned work schedules; recruited, interviewed, and hired personnel based on organizational guidelines.

1991-1992 Santa Monica, CA
City of Santa Monica Youth in Action Center Organizer: Developed and taught community organizing skills to high school and college students through specialized workshops and training sessions; participated in public speaking events, engaged in public relations activities; served as youth advocate; handled promotion and recruitment; set up workshops and facilitated meetings surrounding youth issues.