I'm running for school board because I appreciate first-hand the power of education to transform lives. When I graduated from Montbello High School, I had a diploma, wife and infant daughter. With my (single) mother's support, and inspired by dedicated teachers and counselors, I completed my education and went on to make a better life for my family.

I have a Bachelor degree in History and a Master's degree in Education from Colorado State University and a Ph.D. in Education from American University. I raised two children who graduated from Colorado State University and are successful and thriving and have two young children who will be attending Denver Public Schools.

Now it's my turn to give back to the community that nurtured and supported me. I have devoted the past 25 years, my entire professional life, to education, currently serving as deputy director at Denver Scholarship Foundation. I am committed to using my experience, talents and professional networks to:

• Advocate for strong neighborhood schools, with all options on the table
• Raise DPS graduation rates at all schools, in all communities
• Create quality environments for learning and teaching
• Ensure teachers have Respect, Rewards and Resources
• Recruit — and retain — a diverse teaching force
• Encourage and empower informed parental involvement

I have been preparing for this challenge all my life. I will be a strong voice for District 4 - and all DPS students, teachers and families.