ABOUT ME

I am the proud daughter of immigrants from the Philippines. My parents came to Minnesota in their twenties, open to new possibilities and determined to build a life here. My dad worked two jobs when he first arrived in the US, one on the line at Nordic Ware and one as a janitor at St. Louis Park City Hall, where he shoveled snow, cleaned offices and jail cells, and raised and lowered the American flag each day.

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When my parents searched for their first apartment, they faced discrimination. One landlord showed them a substandard unit and acted as though it was good enough. Another told them there were no vacancies in the  building, even though the sign out front advertised vacancies. People underestimated their drive, their work ethic, and their ambition. But my parents didn’t give up. They kept working, pursued further education, and pushed forward so our family could not just survive but thrive.

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Growing up, I carried what many children of immigrants do. I had to explain, translate, advocate, and negotiate on my parents’ behalf. I also watched them overcome barriers with persistence and pride. Those experiences shaped how I approach every decision: with empathy, determination, and a deep commitment to fairness.

 

That’s the same approach I’ve carried into every role as I’ve dedicated my life to public service. On the St. Louis Park City Council and Planning Commission, I’ve worked to strengthen our community through housing, safety, and equity. On nonprofit boards like Aeon and Catholic Charities Twin Cities, I’ve seen firsthand how funding decisions determine whether families get the support they need or if they fall through the cracks.

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My involvement on professional and business boards such as Urban Land Institute, MinnPost, and the Minneapolis Downtown Council have shown me the importance of collaboration. Both in my professional career in commercial real estate and through my service, I’ve built partnerships with businesses and nonprofits, always asking how our choices will impact people.

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​This work is personal. I’ve listened to neighbors talk about their struggles finding affordable housing, their fears about safety in the face of hostile federal policies, and their hopes for schools that give every child the chance to succeed.

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I carry those stories with me. They remind me why I serve and who I fight for: the neighbors who are too often overlooked or underestimated. I fight so every family has the same chance my parents had to build a life here, and so every child, including my own son, can grow up in a community that values safety, dignity, and opportunity.

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I’m running for the Minnesota Senate because leadership isn’t about holding power. It’s about listening, opening doors, and doing the hard work of bringing people together.

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I am humbled by this opportunity to serve, and I’m ready to carry the stories of my family, my neighbors, and our community into the Senate.​​