As a first-generation Mexican American, I am the child of immigrant parents who sought a better life in the United States. Born in Colorado, I grew up in a working-class family where my father worked in the restaurant industry and my mother cleaned hotels. Both of my parents primarily spoke Spanish, which presented educational and language challenges during my early years. When I was four, my parents divorced, and seeking a better life, my mother decided to move back to the Tijuana-San Diego border region. This area became my home during my formative years.
We lived in both Tijuana and throughout San Diego County, moving frequently between communities such as Chula Vista, Spring Valley, El Cajon, and City Heights. Growing up so close to the U.S.-Mexico border exposed me to the harsh realities of poverty and injustice, particularly in Tijuana. These early experiences sparked in me a desire to address these injustices and make a difference in my community. Despite the challenges, I learned invaluable lessons about empathy, perseverance, and the importance of family, all of which shaped the person I am today.
City Heights, where my family eventually settled, is a lower-income, diverse community facing high crime and gang activity. Despite its difficulties, City Heights gave me a sense of belonging, where I forged connections with peers who shared similar backgrounds. Recognizing the dangers of local gang influences, my mother enrolled me in Mission Bay High School, located outside of our neighborhood. This required me to take a bus for an hour each way to attend school. During my teenage years, I briefly got involved with local gangs, but after witnessing the violence and substance abuse around me, I realized that path wasn’t for me. I drew strength from my family and distanced myself from those influences, focusing instead on personal growth and making a positive impact.
In 2004, at nineteen, I met Kevin LaChapelle, a retired police officer who became my mentor and inspired me to pursue higher education. Kevin’s guidance led me to enroll at San Diego City College and later transfer to San Diego State University, where I majored in Psychology. His mentorship played a crucial role in my decision to pursue a career in law. However, in 2007, while I was attending San Diego State, I experienced the devastating loss of my fourteen-year-old brother to random gang violence. This tragedy was the most pivotal moment in my life, forcing me to confront grief and survivor’s guilt while navigating the desire to honor my brother’s memory through purposeful action. The loss made me more determined to bring about positive change, particularly in addressing the cycle of violence in my community. I became involved in organizing anti-violence initiatives and supporting families who had experienced similar losses.
In law school, I struggled to find my footing. It was during my second year when I began attending hearings and trials related to my brother’s case. These courtroom experiences made the legal principles I had studied come to life. Watching the legal process unfold, I realized the profound importance of empathy in the justice system. Despite the emotional toll, I persevered in my legal education, drawing strength from my family and mentors.
Now, as a prosecutor, I approach my work with compassion and empathy, particularly for those accused of crimes. My experiences growing up in a community deeply affected by the criminal justice system, combined with the personal tragedy of losing my brother, have shaped my understanding of the importance of community trust in these institutions. I strive to serve as a prosecutor who fosters that trust and holds individuals accountable in a way that seeks justice while acknowledging human complexity.
Beyond my professional role, I remain committed to community engagement. I’ve participated in workshops and presentations for legal professionals from Latin America, sharing insights into the U.S. justice system. I’ve had the opportunity to teach in Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic, training state prosecutors, police, and defense attorneys. These efforts reflect my long-standing commitment to justice reform, especially in Mexico, where I hope to contribute to the evolution of its legal system.
In addition to my work in justice reform, I’m passionate about youth mentorship. I regularly speak at high schools, community colleges, and other events, encouraging students to pursue their goals despite the challenges they face. One of my most meaningful experiences was mentoring a student I met at a juvenile detention facility, who later approached me to share her success. Hearing that she and her brother, who is now pursuing law, are thriving reaffirmed my belief in the power of mentorship.
My commitment to the legal profession also extends to teaching. Since 2012, I have taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses, guiding aspiring legal professionals. I currently serve as the President of San Diego La Raza Lawyers, a position I aspired to since joining as a law student in 2009. I am also involved in efforts to diversify the legal profession, working with the California Western School of Law to recruit underrepresented students from the Southwestern U.S.
Serving on various boards, including the California Western School of Law Alumni Association and the San Diego County Bar Association’s Speaker’s Task Force, allows me to continue advocating for diversity, education, and justice reform. These roles have given me the opportunity to influence the legal profession positively and ensure that it reflects the communities it serves.
Through my personal and professional journey, I’ve gained invaluable perspectives that I believe are essential to fostering justice, compassion, and integrity within the legal system. My experiences underscore the importance of an inclusive and empathetic legal community, one that works diligently to serve and uplift all people.
