Home: Corona, CA. Birthplace: La Grange, IN. Profession: Educator, leader, author, speaker, adjunct professor. Organization: California State University, Fullerton; University of La Verne. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: University of California; University of La Verne; Stanford University. Languages spoken: Spanish and English.
Recent recognition: 2024 National Leading While Female Icon Award. Recent professional development: Professional learning attended: 2024 and 2025 Deeper Learning AI Conference, Anaheim. Latest accomplishment: Co-author of The Ed Branding Book: How to Build Educational Leadership with Social Influence. Latest contribution to others: Led the establishment of the Scholarship Endowment with UCR/CABE. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Co-hosted The Ed Branding Podcast, co-host The VIET Podcast, now host The Your Story Matters podcast. Hobbies: Walking my dog, reading, writing, traveling. Last book read: Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership, by Lee G. Bolman, Terrence E. Deal.
Personality profile: Student-centered, relationship-focused, highly skilled. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Innovative. Moral compass: The platinum rule: treat others the way they want to be treated. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel and books, on other people; my love language is giving. How do you relieve stress? Spend time with family; get massages. What is your go-to workout? Dog walk, elliptical, treadmill, free weights.
What book have you repeatedly read? The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, by Deepak Chopra. The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Wizard of Oz. The Harry Potter series. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Rosie the Riveter. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Keep students at the center of your decisions. Put relationships first. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Cell phone, computer. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Awarded a scholarship to the University of Salamanca in Spain.
What is your big idea?
Educational Branding.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? That more educators and leaders embrace educational branding. What message do you want to send out into the world? Show love to yourself and others; put relationships first, keep building your emotional intelligence. What mega-trend most excites you? Generative AI to make jobs easier and eliminate redundant work. What mega-trend most concerns you? Environmental impact of generative AI and potential for hallucinations.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dads and grandparents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An author. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Animals and then laptops, photo albums, passport. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With family and friends, telling everyone how much they mean to me. What advice would you give your younger self? Travel to Spain while you are earning your BA. You are enough.
Personal mission: Co-create systems and processes to increase student access, opportunity, and success. Personal motto: You only live once. Favorite quote: “The demon that you swallow gives you its power” (Joseph Campbell). Desired epitaph: Kind, caring, and compassionate leader who put people first.
