I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.
I'm a third generation Mexican-American.
My grandparents and parents grew up on the east side of Los Angeles.
I went to Georgetown University.
I was in the School of Foreign Service.
I spent a year abroad in Spain and attended
the University of Seville.
And eventually went to law school at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
Served in the city attorney's office for over 18 years
before joining Parks and Recreation in the city of Los Angeles.
So, moving to Seattle
has been a wonderful life change for me and my entire family.
It's an exciting moment and chapter, both in my professional and personal life
to start fresh in this amazing city.
I absolutely love parks
and open spaces, the environment and all of the recreational opportunities
that the park system provides for the public.
It's something that I'm passionate about.
I really love getting into nature,
just getting the ability to find some respite.
I love to run.
I also love to swim,
to play racket sports.
I firmly believe that now more than ever is the time to amplify
the narrative that parks are essential infrastructure
to the fabric and the health and wellness of our city.
So we need to continue to invest in them so that we continue
to cultivate them for generations to come.
I love to remind our staff that we're in the business of
helping to grow children and to cultivate adults
and to deal with the stress and anxiety of life,
but also to really take responsibility for our aging population and
make sure that they also to have spaces that are safe and welcoming.
And that's what One Seattle is all about.
It's the city departments, it's the city partners, it's the neighborhoods, it's
the community groups coming together under the umbrella of making Seattle great,
making Seattle shine.