Candidate for
Board Member; Gilroy Unified School District

Gilroy's public education system holds a special place in my heart because of how it has benefited me personally, and because of the promising opportunities it holds. Attending Gilroy schools from K-12 provided me the foundation to achieve my personal and professional aspirations. In 1992, I graduated top of my class from Gilroy High School and with the guidance and encouragement from my teachers, I went to Stanford University and then to Loyola Law School.

In addition to developing solid educational skills, I learned the value of community service during my education. At Gilroy High, I was involved in student government and held many leadership posts. At Stanford, I continued my service as a tutor for underprivileged kids from East Palo Alto and at Loyola I became a mentor to first-year law school students.

My decision to return to Gilroy with my wife was motivated by a pressing desire to apply the skills I developed to better the Gilroy community through public service. Since returning to Gilroy, I volunteer at St. Mary's Parish and at the Garlic Festival. I currently serve on the Gilroy Unified School District Board and on the Advisory Board for the Gilroy Foundation. I was a mentor for the Puente Program at Gavilan College and a former board member for MACSA's El Portal Charter School. Last year I graduated from Leadership Gilroy where I assisted with a class project to fund a music program at Mt. Madonna High School.

My work experience provides me with an understanding of how a government body functions during the budget process and the unique role of a public servant. As a Senior Policy Aide for a Santa Clara County Board of Supervisor, I evaluate and provide substantive recommendations in relevant policy areas during the County's annual budget process. As an aide to an elected official, I have been able to work with community-based organizations, and represent the views of the County and the elected official to neighborhood associations, government agencies, and public-private partnerships.