I came into the field of education because I felt a strong commitment, early in my life, to give back to the community. I am the daughter of an army man and service runs in my family. Since my father was against me joining the army, I naturally gravitated toward teaching.

My father and mother were such great influences on me and siblings in acquiring an education that they were not privy to. They instilled in us that education is power and it never occurred to me that I couldn't do something.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and Teaching with a major in English and Literature from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico-Metropolitan Campus. I received my Master's Degree in Liberal Studies with a major in American Studies from Southern Methodist University.

Being a Latina woman, I have experienced racial discrimination. Even at this height in my career, I have actually had people ask me what authority I possess to teach their children how to speak English.

I possess very strong Christian values and I believe in the power of prayer. I am devoted to service and making a difference in the lives of others. If we cant help our fellow man, then what else is there?

After my father passed, it occurred to me that the best way for me to honor his legacy would be to institute a scholarship in his honor. Every year I honored a student in the ROTC, that not necessarily had the best grades, but grew as a human being and had a financial need to go to college.

I graduated college, both times, debt free without the aid of scholarships. I worked my way through college and I am very proud of that.

I am contemplating transitioning out of the field of education and into the business world so that I can be more of a woman in a position to help other women. To quote one of my idols, Madeline Albright (Former United States Secretary of State): "There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women." I live with hope that I will not be one of those women in that final destination. 

My mother is a formidable woman. She was the force behind my father and I see how he fell so deeply in love with her. Despite not graduating from high school and barley making it out of the 8th grade, my mother is the most intelligent woman I know. I wonder sometimes what she could have done if she had received the formal education she gave to me. My mother touches so many lives and truly is my inspiration.

If I could put my legacy into words, I would simply want them to be, "she lived well".

I support the following missions by donating to Women's Breast Cancer and Susan B.Coleman. I also donate blood on a steady basis to The Carter Blood Care. 

I am a ferocious reader and a history buff. I also enjoy ballroom dancing, bowling, and the arts.