Campaign Phone
602-525-8825
Public Policy Priorities
My public policy priorities are fair eviction and housing processes, access to justice, judicial accountability, and public transparency. As Justice of the Peace for the Downtown Phoenix area, I understand that the issues facing our court are shaped by the community we serve, including homelessness, language barriers, housing instability, and the need for court processes that are fair, accessible, and understandable to everyone. My family’s history goes back several generations in this community, and that connection guides my work every day. I believe people should leave court with knowledge, dignity, and a clear understanding of what happened and what resources are available to them. That is why I provide information and resources in my courtroom to help connect people with support when they need it. Community and justice are deeply personal to me. I am committed to ensuring that everyone who enters my court is treated fairly, and respectfully.
Qualifications and Experience
Justices of the Peace are often called “the Judge for the People,” and that responsibility is one I take seriously. What qualifies me for this role is not only my experience on the bench, but also my deep connection to this community. My roots are here, and because of that, it comes naturally to understand the needs of the people I serve and to communicate with them in a meaningful way. My father was appointed to this same position by Mary Rose Wilcox, and I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impact he made both in the courtroom and throughout the community. Seeing the difference he made inspired me to pursue a life of public service. I knew I had the compassion, integrity, and knowledge necessary to serve the community that helped shape me. Every person who appears before me is more than a case number—they are a human being deserving of dignity, respect, and a fair opportunity to be heard. Because I grew up in this community and continue to serve it today.
Memberships & Affiliations
In recognition of my commitment to public service and improving access to justice, I was appointed by Presiding Justice of the Peace, Leonore Driggs to serve on the Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court Governing Council. I was also appointed by Chief Justice Ann Timmer to serve on the Court Interpreter Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC), which works to improve language access and ensure meaningful participation in the justice system for all court users. Additionally, I serve as a member of the Limited Jurisdiction Courts Association, collaborating with judges across Arizona to strengthen our courts and improve public trust in the judicial system. I am also a member of th Maricopa County Courts Finance Committee and Specialty Court Committee, i.e Veterans and Homeless Court.
Endorsements
I am honored to be endorsed by respected community leaders; Mary Rose Wilcox and Earl Wilcox; Dr. Luis Olivas, former Arizona State University administrator, and currently the Commander of American Legion Post 41; Sarah Liguori, State Rep, LD 5; Irma Payan, educator, storyteller, community activist/contributor to Barrio Stories, recognized for preserving and documenting Chicano/Latino cultural history in Arizona; Dana L. Burns, CEO/Founder of A Permanent Voice, a South PHX nonprofit dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering underserved youth, seniors, & families,recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award; Deva Mumphrey, community advocate, public servant, and Founder/CEO of Beyond the Hurt, an organization dedicated to empowering single mothers, at-risk youth, and survivors of domestic violence. Deva is widely recognized for her contributions to social justice and community equity and recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” Award.
Community Service
I volunteer at a variety of community events because I believe public servants should be present and engaged in the communities they serve. I enjoy being among the people, listening to their concerns, and working alongside organizations that make a difference. I don’t attend galas and formal fundraising events, I believe resources are often better directed toward programs and services that directly benefit the community. I volunteer with organizations and events throughout my precinct, including activities at Grant Park, Friendly House, Beyond The Hurt, neighborhood associations, and community initiatives. One of the most rewarding experiences is presiding over Homeless Court and participating in the Veterans StandDown at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Through this event, the Justice courts help Veterans address outstanding legal matters, remove barriers, and connect with critical resources and services. Helping those who have served our country move forward with dignity & opportunity.
Education
I attended Isaac and Cartwright School districts, also I am a proud graduate of Maryvale High School. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University. In addition to my undergraduate education, I continued my studies in Texas, attending both Southern Methodist University and University of North Texas. My educational experiences, combined with my professional and community service background, have provided me with a strong foundation in leadership, problem-solving, and public service.
I am the incumbent Justice of the Peace for El Centro Justice Court and have dedicated my career to public service, community engagement, and expanding access to justice. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Business from Arizona State University and continued my education at Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas. Prior to taking the bench, I spent more than 20 years in leadership and management roles.
As Justice of the Peace, I led the court through significant operational challenges, restored compliance with judicial standards, improved efficiency, modernized operations, expanded public access through technology, and strengthened public trust. I serve on the Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court Governing Council and was appointed to the Court Interpreter Program Advisory Committee by Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer. As an 8th-generation Arizonan, I am deeply committed to the community I serve.
Justice Courts face increasing caseloads, limited resources, language-access, and barriers that can make the legal system difficult to navigate. Courts must balance efficiency with fairness while maintaining public trust and confidence.
When I took office, the court was facing significant operational/compliance challenges, with case backlogs, inefficient processes, and adherence to judicial standards/laws. Addressing those issues became my immediate priority. As Justice of the Peace, I have focused on restoring accountability, improving case management, modernizing operations, expanding access through technology/virtual services, and strengthening public trust.
I believe courts should be accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the community. I will continue to prioritize timely case resolution, language access, public education, and partnerships with community organizations that help individuals address underlying issues while maintaining accountability under the law.
Every case must be evaluated on its own facts, the law, and the interests of justice. When determining an appropriate sentence, I consider the nature of the offense, the impact on victims and community, public safety, accountability, criminal history.
In my courtroom, each person is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. I ensure all parties have an opportunity to be heard and understand the process. I recognize that individuals come before the court with different backgrounds/circumstances. When appropriate and permitted by law, I consider factors such as age, prior record, indigence, and whether a person is a first-time offender who may benefit from diversion, education, treatment, or alternatives that encourage accountability and rehabilitation.
Defendants are entitled to due process and constitutional protections, and courts have a duty to carefully evaluate the evidence, ensure charges are supported by the facts/law, applying justice fairly, consistently, and without bias.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
