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.

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). EAs are federally-authorized tax practitioners who have passed a comprehensive examination covering individual and business tax matters or have worked for the IRS for a minimum number of years in a position requiring a specialized knowledge of tax code. Their responsibilities also include adhering to ethical standards set by the IRS.