EMPOWERING OTHERS TO LEAD

One of my greatest strengths, in both the classroom and union work, is seeing the leadership potential in others.

I have always had the ability to connect with people, to find out what they care about, and to help them see how that passion can strengthen our collective union work. Whether it’s a new site rep, a classroom teacher, or a local leader just starting to step into advocacy, I know how to make people feel seen, included, and valued.

Listening First, Leading Through Connection

When I served as the AVID District Director in the Corona-Norco Unified School District, I supported 7 high schools, 11 middle schools, and 5 elementary schools. Each site had its own unique culture, challenges, and triumphs, and each AVID coordinator brought different strengths and passions to the work.

If I had approached that role with a “one size fits all” mentality, I would have failed. The only way to truly lead was to listen deeply.

I made it my mission to understand what each coordinator needed and to help them design solutions that worked for their schools. My goal wasn’t to give them my answers — it was to help them find their own.

That same philosophy guides me in every leadership space I occupy today.

Mentorship Through Empowerment

Mentoring, for me, isn’t about showing people how to do things my way, it’s about empowering them to navigate systems confidently and to use their own strengths as leverage for change.

I’ve mentored countless members and leaders by doing three simple things:

• Listening fully.

• Asking questions that spark clarity.

• Co-creating solutions that fit the person and the moment.

No matter how busy I am or what’s happening in my personal life, if someone reaches out in need — I show up. That’s who I am as a colleague and as a leader.

Leadership Means Lifting Others

Too often, as people move higher in an organization, they start to believe their role is to direct others — to tell them the “right” way to do things.

I believe the opposite.

The higher you go in leadership, the more you should listen, support, and encourage. Leadership is not about control; it’s about cultivating confidence in others.

That’s the model I live by, and it’s the model I’ll bring to the role of District M Director.

Leading With Heart

Our union is strongest when every member feels empowered to lead — when every voice feels valued and heard.

That’s what Local Voices, Statewide Strength means to me. It means creating a culture where leaders don’t just rise — they bring others with them.

And that’s exactly what I intend to continue doing.