I come from a family of five and didn’t grow up with wealth or privilege. My parents worked tirelessly in the strawberry fields, rain or shine, to provide for us. At 17, I became a mother, and I vividly remember the harsh words that rang in my ears: “Quick, drop out of school, you’ve ruined your life. Go work in the fields; you have no future.” Coming from a traditional Mexican family, the pressure was overwhelming, but it only fueled my determination to prove them wrong.

My motivation wasn’t just about defying others' expectations; it was about creating a better future for my newborn and myself. I graduated from Hueneme High School in 2002, earned my degree from Oxnard College in 2005, and in 2009, I decided to pursue my passion for accounting. I was accepted to both Northridge and Cal Lutheran universities, ultimately choosing Northridge, despite the challenges of full-time work and a long commute. Although I had to pause my education at times, I never lost sight of my goal.

In 2019, after years of hard work, I returned to finish what I had started at Channel Islands University and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Along the way, I gained invaluable experience at well-known corporate companies like Teledyne and Sani Tech.

My journey in the tax field began in 2003 when I worked with Tello’s, and in 2005, I earned my certification with H&R Block. I began preparing taxes seasonally out of my home, and in 2020, I took the leap to turn my passion into a full-time business. Today, I’m proud to be the first in my family to graduate from university, and in December 2023, I reached another milestone by becoming an Enrolled Agent.

My story is not just about what I’ve accomplished; it’s about resilience, sacrifice, and overcoming adversity. I am committed to continuing my education and pursuing my master’s degree to reach even greater heights, all while helping others along the way. This is just the beginning.