My Priorities
People
First
As a parent, you can be assured that every decision I make as a County Commissioner will be influenced by the needs of all children and families in New Hanover County. Furthermore, my experience as a public school teacher means I have a deep understanding of the challenges facing our education system. I’m committed to collaborating with the NHC Board of Education and school system to ensure every child in our county receives a quality education.
Economic
Growth
My experiences as a leader and technologist means I’ll bring a strategic and pragmatic approach to problem-solving, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth for our community. I’ve devoted much of my career to supporting and leading workforce training programs that have lasting impacts on both the individuals growing their careers and the businesses who benefit from their work, and I’m excited to share those skills with New Hanover County as a County Commissioner.
Community Readiness
A prepared community is a safer and stronger community. That’s why I’ll make sure New Hanover County is ready for positive growth and change. This includes investing in our children and schools, attracting and training a talented workforce for our growing business community, making sure we’re ready for the increasing risk of hurricanes and flooding in our region, and approaching housing and development with thoughtfulness, inclusivity, and foresight.
Why I’m Running for County Commissioner
My diverse background and experiences make me uniquely positioned to address the needs and concerns of New Hanover County residents as a member of the Board of Commissioners. I’m a former public school teacher, I’ve spent the last 17 years working in tech where I’ve mentored and led teams of hundreds of people, and I’ve volunteered with a variety of organizations that aim to make the world a better place. My dedication to community advocacy has been evident throughout my time in Wilmington. I’ve actively participated in various local initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of my fellow residents.
The most important and fulfilling part of my life, however, is raising my daughter. Like many parents in New Hanover County, I’m acutely aware of the struggles and joys of balancing family, career, and community, and how our local government can impact those experiences. As a single mother I know firsthand that all families, no matter their makeup, are the bedrock of a thriving community, and I’ll prioritize policies that put people first.
It’s precisely because our local government influences all of the ways I experience living in our county – as a parent, as a woman, as a business leader, as a neighbor, and as a community member - that I decided to run for office.
My Background
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. After high school, I attended the University of Texas at Austin, where I majored in Biology, did undergraduate research in a molecular genetics lab, competed in the varsity rowing team my freshman year, was involved in multiple student organizations, and earned a teaching certificate.
After graduation, I stayed in Austin for another decade and a half. I began my career with four years teaching high school science before moving into the technology industry, where I spent ten years working at the University of Texas. In these roles I learned about the importance of public service, and completed the prestigious Executive Leadership for IT Excellence program at the LBJ School Of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.
In 2016, I accepted a job at nCino, a software company based in Wilmington, and moved here for the opportunity to help build the engineering team at a growing tech company and to live in a more affordable community. Thanks to a warm welcome and a network of friends and colleagues, I quickly established deep roots. My daughter and I love living on the coast, we adore our cute, old house on Greenfield Lake, we’re grateful to be surrounded by so much natural beauty, and we enjoy the friendly, fun atmosphere. In a city of millions, it can be difficult to feel like your actions matter, but in our community I’ve found that everyone has an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
