Career: Stay-at-Home Mom
Hometown: Bogota

As a graduate of Spelman College, and the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, receiving my Master’s in Social Administration/Social Work, I dedicated my belief in helping others through public service. I have worked as a health educator for women with high risk pregnancies; a therapist/case manager for children at risk of juvenile justice involvement; a program officer for a major philanthropic foundation; advocated for a policy that supports the reduction of heart disease and stroke for the American Heart Association; a mentor/grant writer/chairperson for the Sister to Sister Mentoring Program and served as a board member of the Calvary Refuge Homeless Shelter. I was especially honored to be selected as a Presidential Management Fellow, the esteemed fellowship program started under an Executive Order in 1977 to attract the best and brightest to public service.  During my time as a Presidential Management Fellow, I worked as a policy and management analyst for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 
 
However, none of that compares to my role as a loving wife to my wonderful husband John and mother to my beautiful daughter, Leila, which led me to walk away from my career to focus my energies on caring for my family.  It is because of Leila, that I'm inspired to reinforce to young girls that despite what they see on tv, what makes them most important is on the inside.  I want my daughter, and in fact every girl, to know that she can be a leader in whatever her heart desires if she focuses on her skills, intellect and drive to propel her.  It is because of this belief and the unyielding support of my husband, family and community, that I've been given a voice to spread this message. It is with honor that I represent the awesome married women and mothers of this great state as Mrs. New Jersey America!