I started my career in corrections, and have seen the school-to-prison pipeline up close, then later served our disabled New Mexicans only to see the lack of services and support they currently face, and currently work as a social worker in our correctional and juvenile detention facilities, continuing to see how failing education system personally affects our minority and underserved youth.

At the same time, we’re seeing attacks on our education systems from around the country: attacks on truth, on books, on each other, on inclusivity. These attacks aren’t just from states abroad – they’re happening right here at home.

I don’t just read about broken systems, I work on them every day. That’s why I’m running. I think it’s time for new ideas, new leadership and a new perspective, one that is shaped by life experience, understanding and a fundamental belief in the potential of our students.