Where are you from?
I grew up in San Diego. My mom came from Mexico. My mom, stepdad, sister, and I lived in a car for a while. One sack lunch fed all of us for a meal. It was a difficult time for my family.
How did you break away?
I credit my mom, who had high expectations for us. She took us to the library—museums on Tuesdays, because it was free day. We read books that she bought at Goodwill. There was always a push that better things were ahead for me. I had six older siblings that were given up for adoption because my parents could not care for them.
What was your first work experience?
In a restaurant in City Heights, where I worked for 10 years until my then-husband and I divorced. While there, I got to know a lot of politicians who were our clientele. When we became aware of some questionable business practices in the community, we developed a community group called the Fairmount Neighborhood Association. The zoning officials and City Council members assisted us in getting the problem solved. The group is still in existence.
Did you go to college?
I went for a year and then dropped out. In 1999 I saw that the best way for me to secure a future for myself was to go back to school, so I went to Southwestern College. A professor there was probably my first true mentor. He put me on the road to where I am today. I had some friends at KGTV who encouraged me to study, and then I started writing for the school paper. I loved it and really took off from there. I became a copy editor, and I won some national awards. I began to gain confidence, and then I knew that everything was going to be okay.
What was your next career move?
In 2001, I got an internship in Supervisor Ron Roberts’ office, and I loved it. My community coalition skills and writing skills were my strengths. I then joined Scott Peters’ staff at City Council, and then on to the California State Senate in his local office. That’s when I was hired by AT&T, in 2006.
What are your job responsibilities with AT&T?
My first five years were a learning experience. It was a very exciting time due to changes in technology. AT&T is a technology company, not a phone company. I have responsibility for community relations and legislative affairs for 11 cities and two counties.
Whom have you mentored?
My first focus was to prepare my own children for college. My passion is working with local nonprofits. I mentor board members in organizations and help them develop their skills. They just need to be encouraged, and I help them recognize their abilities.
What do you see as your future?
After my youngest child completes college, I want to go back to school to get my degree. I have no intention of leaving AT&T. I may end up in another location or in another team within the company, teams that didn’t exist five years ago. The opportunities here are unlimited. AT&T has robust support systems for employees. We have constant training.
What are your weekends like?
I am always tied to my phone. My job is 24/7. I am on call at all times. I serve on the Donovan Prison Citizens Advisory Committee. I am hoping to train my new dog to be a working dog.
What has been a highlight for you?
Getting the Woman of the Year award from Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez and going to the Capitol to receive the award. I was so pleased to share this honor with my mother.
Spotlight on Women
Photo by Found Creative Studio
