About Me

I registered this website immediately after the conclusion of the 2004 United States Presidential Election. Devoted to communication, human development, education, political participation, civic entreprenuership, and public service because I believe such issues are critical to the advancement of humankind.

I have a caring family consisting of my father, mother, older and younger brother, and I am a voracious reader, regular exerciser, intense public speaker, and like to travel. Most of all, I like to spend time with Mayra.

My Early Years

I was born in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico and raised in Bellflower, a city located in Southeast Los Angeles County. I attended Washington Elementary School from 1991 to 1997, Bellflower Middle School from 1997 to 1999, and Bellflower High School from 1999 to 2003.

During high school, I served in student government as freshman Class Sergeant at Arms, sophomore Class President, junior Student Body Vice President and senior Student Body President. Furthermore, I ran cross country and track (800-meters was my specialty), was a member of the history and computer clubs and a Thespian.

Cerritos College

After graduating from high school in spring 2003, I attended Cerritos Community College in Norwalk, California starting fall 2003 where I studied and earned AAs in Economics and Political Science.

At Cerritos College, I served as a Student Senator and the Student Body President and Student Trustee. I also served as the lead student organizer for the college’s successful 2004 General Obligation Bond (Measure CC) campaign.

UC Merced

In fall 2005, I transferred with Highest Honors to the University of California, Merced. I graduated in spring 2007 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Social, Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences with an emphasis in Public Policy.

My first year at UC Merced, I served as a Resident Assistant and Chair of the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws. The Committee was responsibile for writing the constitution. Our last meeting, where we approve the final draft of constitution before sending it to the student body for ratification, lasted 11 hours long! Moreover, I interned for Congressman Dennis Cardoza for some time.

During my second year at the university, I was the Associated Students of UCM Student Body President, chair of the Executive Officers, and Director of Finance for the Rotaract Club. In that capacity, I served as the undergraduate student representative on the Committee to Advise the UC President on the Selection of a Chancellor for UC Merced. Also, from July 2007 to November 2007, I served as the Special Assistant to the Director of Governmental Relations at the university.

The Great Central Valley

In the Central Valley, I am the founder of Students for the Central Valley and an alumnus of the Great Valley Center’s Institute for the Development of Emerging Area Leaders (IDEAL). Moreover, I was the North San Joaquin Valley Regional Contest Organizer for The Campaign for College Opportunity’s Save Me a Spot in College Contest. The Valley is a great place!

Furthermore, I was actively involved in the Community Partnership Alliance, Merced County Association of Governments Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, San Joaquin Valley Regional Blueprint Advisory Committee and Community-University Research and Action for Justice.

California

In summer 2007, I was a Scholar Intern in the UC Center Sacramento program. By fall 2007, I was hired to work full-time for Lt. Governor John Garamendi in the State Capitol. My duties range from completing basic office tasks like photocopying and faxing to traveling with the Lt. Governor throughout Northern California, the Bay Area and Central Valley. I also follow higher education, with a current focus on the UC Board of Regents matters.

Prior, I served as the Students for Barack Obama California State Coordinator from December 2006 to August 2007 and have been an advisor ever since.

My Future

I plan on pursuing a Master’s/professional degree and eventually my Doctorate. Initially, I wanted to further study public policy; however, I find economic-political history of greater interest.

I continue to focus on California’s San Joaquin Valley because I want to help tackle and solve the region’s high unemployment, low political participation, low college going rates, poor air quality and inadequate health care access. I am doing this by establishing Civic Entrepreneur and helping start a clean energy company with a handful of my colleagues from the university.