I met my husband while standing watch on his first day at our command. It may sound corny, but I knew that day he was the man I would marry. He is the love of my life, and together we have built a life beyond anything I imagined.

We have lived in Arlington for 20 years in the kind of neighborhood you see on TV — where neighbors become family and community truly means something.

Over the years, I have volunteered with organizations focused on improving community safety and child welfare, strengthening public education, providing scholarships for students and moms, supporting annual memorial services for the fallen, honoring our Police and Fire Departments, and promoting Latino professional development.

My service journey began in 2004 while I was still serving in the Navy. I volunteered as a classroom reader and room volunteer at a local elementary school and quickly realized how fulfilling it was to make a difference in our community. I loved every minute in that classroom.

Soon after, I coordinated volunteers at my command for both school partnerships and Habitat for Humanity. I was hooked.

When our son entered elementary school, I joined the PTA and quickly learned how much responsibility and advocacy work goes into supporting students and schools. After attending a PTA conference, I deepened my focus on legislation and education policy. Over the years, I have served as Treasurer, co-chaired major events and fundraisers, and participated in legislative advocacy efforts.

I am also a proud Rotarian. Through Rotary, I continue to serve our community in meaningful and hands-on ways. I volunteered as Treasurer for a year and a half, participate in “A Simple Gesture” food bank pickups every other month, and serve on the Public Relations Committee. Rotary’s commitment to service above self aligns deeply with my own values, and I am honored to contribute to efforts that support local families, strengthen community partnerships, and provide direct service where it is needed most.

Service has never been a title to me — it has always been a responsibility and a privilege.

My passion for small business advocacy grew out of personal experience. In 2009, after the economic downturn of 2008, our small business did not survive. Like many families across the country during that recession, we were forced to make difficult financial decisions, including filing for bankruptcy as part of closing the business.

That season was challenging, but it strengthened me. It taught me firsthand how vulnerable small businesses can be during economic instability and how critical preparation, planning, and access to resources truly are. We did not face those challenges because of personal financial mismanagement — we faced them because our business, like so many others in 2008–2009, was hit hard by forces outside of our control.

I have never hidden our bankruptcy. It was part of our story, and like many families during the 2008–2009 recession, we faced circumstances that were largely beyond our control. When I ran for State Representative, that chapter of our lives was used in campaign advertising as a reason not to support me — as though it were something to be ashamed of. 

I disagree with that narrative.

Economic hardship during one of the worst financial downturns in modern history is not a personal failure — it is a reality many hardworking business owners endured. I often wondered how many other small business owners saw those ads and felt as though their own struggles were being judged.

I see that experience differently. It made me stronger, more disciplined, and more informed. It deepened my empathy for working families and sharpened my commitment to policies that support small businesses, economic resilience, and financial stability for our community.

Since then, I have helped business owners develop business plans, build websites, implement financial and management software, and strengthen their marketing and documentation systems.

In 2020, I became a SCORE mentor, serving for two years and working directly with entrepreneurs across our region during an especially uncertain economic period. Supporting small businesses as they navigated growth challenges further strengthened my commitment to building a resilient local economy.

As a Chamber Director, I advocated for fair small business practices and policies that support a vibrant downtown. Serving on the Arlington Planning Commission expanded my understanding of city planning, development regulations, and responsible growth.

As Director of Local Liquid Arts, I partnered with Snohomish County’s craft beverage industry — working alongside wine, beer, spirits, coffee, and kombucha makers. I promoted special events and grand openings, secured grant funding, developed promotional materials, and strengthened connections between business owners, chambers, and community partners.

This work gave me valuable insight into how thoughtful promotion, collaboration, and storytelling contribute to economic vitality. Tourism is not just about visitors — it is about creating experiences that encourage people to explore, stay longer, and support local businesses.

I also co-chair Arlington’s Hispanic Heritage event, celebrating the cultural diversity that strengthens our community. This event highlights the importance of honoring traditions, elevating Latino voices, and creating inclusive spaces where families come together. Cultural events like this not only build unity and pride — they also contribute to tourism, support small vendors, and showcase Arlington as a welcoming and vibrant place to visit.

In addition, I serve on the Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board. A strong outdoor community plays a critical role in regional tourism and economic development. Our parks, trails, rivers, and recreational spaces attract visitors year-round, support local outfitters and small businesses, and enhance quality of life for residents. Investing in and preserving our outdoor assets strengthens tourism, supports local industry, and ensures future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from our natural resources.

Tourism, culture, and outdoor recreation are interconnected. When we invest in these areas thoughtfully, we create economic opportunity while protecting the character and natural beauty that make Arlington and Snohomish County so special.

I was appointed to the Arlington City Council in June 2022 and was honored to be elected by the voters in 2023. I am proud to continue serving our community through 2028.

Serving on Council has deepened my understanding of how our city operates — from budget development to long-term strategic planning — and has given me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful decisions that shape Arlington’s future.

During my time on Council, I have supported policies and budget priorities that strengthen public safety, expand responsible land use planning, and invest in community well-being. This includes continued support for programs related to mental health services, our Resource School Officer program, and strategic public safety investments that ensure our Police and Fire Departments have the tools and staffing they need to serve our growing city.

I have also supported thoughtful land use expansion and development policies that balance economic growth with community character and infrastructure readiness.

Recognizing the importance of recreation and outdoor access, I have supported efforts to expand and enhance community spaces such as Smokey Point Community Park, the pickleball courts at Haller Middle School, and the Jensen Park Bike Pump Track. Investments in outdoor amenities not only improve quality of life for residents but also contribute to tourism, local activity, and long-term community health.

In addition, I have participated in Budget Retreats, engaged in discussions regarding ARPA funding and infrastructure investments, contributed to updates to our Comprehensive Plan, and served on the Arlington Police Department’s Strategic Planning Committee. Through that experience, I gained insight into staffing, technology, budgeting, benefits, and long-term departmental planning. I am proud to have contributed to the development of APD’s Strategic Plan.

Serving on Council is both a responsibility and a privilege. I remain committed to thoughtful decision-making, transparency, and ensuring that Arlington continues to grow in a way that reflects the values of our residents.

In addition to my Council service, I believe effective leadership begins with listening. Policies are stronger when they are shaped by real conversations with the people they impact.

I co-chair Communications With Purpose, an initiative designed to create welcoming, informal spaces where residents can connect, ask questions, share ideas, and talk openly about what they love about Arlington — as well as where they see opportunities for improvement. These conversations have strengthened my understanding of the everyday experiences of our residents and helped ensure their voices are reflected in the decisions we make.

I also stay actively engaged with our business community. Through my involvement with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, both attending and volunteering at events, I remain connected to the needs and concerns of local employers and entrepreneurs. These interactions provide valuable insight into workforce challenges, economic trends, and the realities facing small businesses in our city.

As a Rotarian, I have the privilege of hearing from community leaders, nonprofit partners, and business owners in a more informal and collaborative setting. Those conversations often provide perspective that extends beyond formal meetings and help me better understand both emerging needs and long-standing priorities within our community.

Listening is not a checkbox — it is an ongoing responsibility. Whether through structured forums, community events, service organizations, or everyday conversations, I am committed to remaining accessible, engaged, and responsive to the people I serve.

As Arlington continues to grow, thoughtful leadership and open communication remain essential. I am committed to asking meaningful questions, making informed decisions, and ensuring that our policies reflect both long-term sustainability and the values of our residents.

As the seasons of life continue to change, so does the perspective I bring to public service. Becoming a new grandmother has deepened my understanding of how important it is to plan for the future — not just for today’s residents, but for the next generation who will inherit this community. The decisions we make now will shape the schools they attend, the parks they play in, the safety of their neighborhoods, and the economic opportunities available to them.

As a small business owner of Uncorked Delites, I remain directly connected to the realities facing entrepreneurs — from regulatory requirements and rising costs to workforce challenges and customer engagement. Continuing to operate a small business keeps me grounded in the day-to-day experience of our local economy and strengthens my commitment to policies that support growth, resilience, and opportunity.

Whether through public service, small business leadership, or community involvement, I will continue doing my part to contribute to the growth and strengthening of our city. It is an honor to serve Arlington, and I remain dedicated to ensuring it remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for families — today and for generations to come.