Everyone has the potential to be a leader if given the opportunity and some mentorship. My mentors believed in my ability to lead long before I knew I had it in me. I remember getting a phone call from one of my mentors, Martha Cotera, asking if I would like to be assistant treasurer of the Friends of the Mexican American Cultural Center bond campaign. I had only lived in Austin six months, and this role gave me the opportunity to meet Emma Barrientos, Senator Barrientos and so many leaders and artists within the Latino community - people who are still friends and mentors in my life 13 years later and who have opened so many doors to me.

In terms of my career, my "aha" moment came soon after graduating from college and moving to Austin to work for the Texas Association of Community Development Corporations. We spent much time at the Capitol speaking to legislators about the importance of providing affordable housing options to low-income families. I got a first-hand look at the importance of legislative work to help improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable communities. The "aha" moment was the realization that every day people like me could offer proposals and influence legislation that makes a positive impact in people's lives. Eleven years later I'm still doing policy work.

The most rewarding thing about working in public/social service is the feeling of doing something positive for someone else, for the community, for something that is great than my one self. I especially believe in giving and doing something for a cause that has impacted me or my family. That's why I was enthusiastic to join the board of Planned Parenthood in 2008.

Planned Parenthood saved my life when I was a teenager. I got my first pap smear, the facts about sex from a nurse and birth control pills for 50 cents! Because of Planned Parenthood I had the basic tools to make decisions about safe sex, and I knew I could always call if I had questions. I won't say it was wise to be sexually active at a young age. I don't recommend it. But, the fact is there are a lot of teenagers out there that go through this same experience and don't have anywhere to go, except Planned Parenthood. Planned parenthood has a high level of trust in the community, name recognition, a proven record, affordable testing and contraception, and we're not going anywhere! Here in Central Texas, we serve 33,000 women, men and teens every year! I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that helped me, and continues to help young girls who don't have anywhere else to turn for proper sex education and reproductive health care.

My favorite guilty pleasure is traveling, especially international traveling. I love to experience new cultures, people and food. In the past year alone, I have traveled to Puerto Rico, Peru, and next month I'm going to Costa Rica & Panama.

I love running and cycling outdoors. We are so fortunate to have Lady Bird Lake with running/walking trails. I like to get out to the lake at least once a week. When possible I like to train with friends for triathlons and half-marathons that raise money for a good cause. Last October I participated in the Mamma Jamma bike ride and raised money for breast cancer awareness and research.