I was born in Michoacán, Mexico and immigrated to the United States in the summer of 1999 when I was 13 years old. I attended Petaluma High School, Santa Rosa Junior College, and Sonoma State University. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from SSU in 2011. As a daughter of immigrant parents from a low socio-economic background, pursuing higher education was an opportunity to help make a positive change in my family. I am motivated by challenges and enjoy embracing new experiences.
I initially worked as a Library Student Aid at Sonoma State University. In 2006, I joined the ESL Department at the SRJC, first as a STNC, and then I become a classified staff in 2012 when I joined the Student Success and Assessment Services. I previously worked for the SRJC ESL Department, SRJC Southwest Center, and SRJC District Police Department.
In my current position as a Bilingual Testing Specialist, I worked extensively with other SRJC departments, programs, and high schools to provide testing services. I help students to connect to financial support services and collaborate with other departments to assist and enroll ESL and GED students in SRJC classes. As a first-generation college graduate, one of my greatest accomplishments at the SRJC is to be able to use my education and professional experiences to empower others, giving people the tools to achieve their educational goals and self-advocacy. I have learned to consider diverse perspectives, to communicate clearly, to remain self-confident in all situations, and to interact with people in a manner that creates confidence and trust. I value the importance of providing a safe, warm, and welcoming environment to build a positive rapport with the diverse student body, faculty, and staff of the SRJC. My bilingual and bicultural abilities have been extremely helpful in my role at the SRJC. I'm thankful for having the opportunity to work for the SRJC.