Calling Riverside home for over two decades now, I am running for City Council because I care about the future of our City. I am proud to have attended La Sierra University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, a Master of Arts in School Counseling, and a Master of Business Administration with a dual emphasis in Accounting and Finance.

As the Finance Director for La Sierra University Church and a Board Member for multiple non-profit agencies, I have carefully managed and overseen multi-million-dollar budgets that deliver real results in our community. My experience and education give me the qualifications and expertise to ensure our City remains on solid financial ground so we can continue to fund vital public services necessary to keep our neighborhoods safe.

My time in higher education has given me profound insight into the necessity of partnerships with our K-12 and institutions of higher education to provide college and career pathways for our young professionals, as well as increasing service opportunities that connect our students to their community. Through these efforts, we can increase college accessibility and provide innovative skilled trade training opportunities; filling current and future workforce needs while creating the professional careers for tomorrow.

Riverside’s quality of life is driven by the health and success of its local businesses. I believe that Ward 7 can be a destination location where all ages can find opportunities for recreation, education, and entertainment. To do this, it is important that we create and maintain a business-friendly climate that supports our existing businesses and attracts new businesses to the area.

Finally, and most significantly, one of the most pressing issues facing Riverside is housing and homelessness. No longer can we ignore the growing number of vulnerable and homeless individuals. We need solutions now. Solutions that provide more viable and attainable housing options for those experiencing homelessness, for working families struggling to make ends meet, and for the next generation of young professionals looking to start a career, family, and life here in Riverside. While this is a complex issue, I believe that the wellness of our city depends on urgently and expeditiously finding solutions together.

I am grateful to currently be coordinating collaborative efforts with our universities, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and the City to provide real, tangible, and viable solutions to our housing challenge. These efforts include bringing social work student interns into communities to better assess and address the long-term needs of our most vulnerable and at-risk populations, opening a 15,000 sq. ft. Wellness Warehouse to serve as a community resource center and thrift store intended to provide resources and services to those in need, and partnering with the Mayor’s Office and various housing organizations to assist in developing housing possibilities for our neighbors without homes.

Our City is at its best when we are working together to create strong, healthy, and thriving neighborhoods. I look forward to working with you, hearing from you, and earning your trust and support as the next Ward 7 City Council Member..