VOTE411 Voter Guide

My advocacy in District B, in partnership with Super Neighborhoods 48 and 49-50, Union Pacific, Target Hunger, and the City Council’s Environmental Justice Committee, has driven meaningful change. Helping my community during the pandemic taught me endurance.

My deep Christian faith guides my life, and my role as a mother of three and a son with autism fuels my passion for ensuring equitable access to education and community resources. Known for my kindness, no-nonsense approach, and readiness to tackle challenges, I am a beacon of hope in our community to many. As a current member of the HCC advisory board in district 9, I am already working to expand opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities, to ensure HCC is a pillar of accessible and inclusive education. I am running for HCC Trustee - District II to continue this work, ensuring our community’s voice is heard and our students have the resources they need to succeed.

My vision as a Trustee is to focus on student success by prioritizing initiatives that directly impact students such as improved advising, mental health resources and career services. This helps create a supportive environment and foster academic achievement and growth. I would also include within the board transparency and accountability this includes ensuring representation from various demographics and creating programs that support underrepresented students. As Trustee I would advocate for the integration of cutting-edge technology in both teaching and administration for the 21st century. As a board member my role would include adopting sustainable practices in operations to ensure that financial decision support long-term viability. Lastly but not least, strengthening community partnerships, it is important that we build relationships with local businesses, organizations so that the programs align with community needs.

As a Trustee as mentioned earlier building partnerships which include, organizing events that connect the college with the community, such as workshops, seminars, and cultural events. These initiatives can strengthen ties and demonstrate the college’s commitment to serving the community’s needs. I would also create advisory committees that include representatives from different stakeholder groups. These committees can provide guidance on curriculum development, program offerings, and community engagement strategies, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. I currently sit on the advisory board in district 9 and this is how the engagement provides academic and technical training opportunities.

I’m seeking re-election to the Houston Community College Board of Trustees because I believe in the transformative power of education and the vital role HCC plays in our community. As the only candidate who is an HCC alum, having studied at both the Northline and Pinemont campuses, I bring a personal understanding of the challenges our students face. My journey from student to Trustee reflects my lifelong commitment to public service, equity, and economic empowerment. With over 15 years of leadership in human resources and a successful career as an entrepreneur, I’ve led initiatives that create jobs, promote affordable housing, and protect vulnerable families. Now pursuing my MBA at LSU, I bring both experience and passion to ensure HCC remains accessible, innovative, and responsive to the needs of every student and family.

HCC must be a bold, inclusive engine for opportunity in the 21st century. My vision is for HCC to serve as a dynamic hub where education meets innovation, workforce development meets equity, and every student, regardless of background, can access the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world. That means expanding programs in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, while also investing in wraparound services that support students holistically.

To fulfill this vision, the Board of Trustees must lead with transparency, accountability, and community engagement. We must ensure HCC remains affordable, responsive, and forward-thinking by supporting strategic partnerships, advocating for equitable funding, and listening to the voices of students, faculty, and staff. I know firsthand the transformative power of this institution, and I’m committed to helping it evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow’s learners and leaders.

As Trustee, I will strengthen collaboration with faculty, staff, students, industry, and community partners to keep Houston Community College responsive and inclusive. I’ll listen first, engaging those living the HCC experience, and then craft solutions that meet real needs. To expand academic and technical training, I’ll champion deeper partnerships with school districts, unions, and employers to align programs with workforce demands and create clear classroom-to-career pathways. I’ll advocate for more dual credit, apprenticeships, and inclusive programs like VAST for students with intellectual and developmental differences. On access and affordability, I’ll fight for expanded scholarships, transportation support, and wraparound services that help students stay enrolled and succeed. As the only HCC alum in this race, I understand these challenges personally and am committed to ensuring every student can thrive.

I’m running for HCC Trustee District II because my life’s work is education and service. I served as an Air Force officer, later founded a firm to help underprivileged students reach top graduate schools, and now advise Commissioner Adrian Garcia on education, infrastructure, and economic development. As an HCC professor, I see students’ challenges daily. I’ll be their advocate, ensuring their needs always come first.

My vision is for HCC to be the region’s top on-ramp to opportunity; affordable, innovative, and aligned with Houston’s economy. As we continue to move into the 21st century, the Board must expand access with scholarships and childcare, improve completion through advising and transfer pathways, grow apprenticeships and industry partnerships, modernize facilities, embrace AI and online learning, and ensure every decision puts students’ success first.

As an HCC Trustee, I will collaborate widely to keep education affordable, accessible, and aligned with workforce needs. I will hold regular listening sessions with students, faculty, and staff and convene advisory groups of employers, school districts, and civic partners to guide new programs. I will champion industry aligned curricula, stackable credentials, and paid apprenticeships or internships to give students real world skills. I will promote predictable tuition, expand financial aid outreach, and support free or low cost textbooks. I will also improve transportation links, flexible scheduling, advising, and childcare to remove barriers that many students face. By basing decisions on clear student success data and sharing results openly, I will ensure HCC delivers strong academic and technical opportunities for today’s and tomorrow’s learners.