I am a Mexican-American born and raised in Polk County. I was an ESOL student who grew up in a family of eight. My parents were migrant farmworkers. I graduated from The University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, and with a Minor in Mass Communications. I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. This is my 20th year in public education with 13 of those years serving as a school administrator. I was a Principal for six years and Assistant Principal for seven years. In 2011, I served as the President of the Palm Beach County School Administrators' Association. I have worked in Polk, Broward, and Palm Beach County schools. I am delighted to have experienced elementary, middle, and high school levels. In 2014, I was honored with being named SECME Administrator of the Year, and in 2016 I was the first Mexican to be inducted into Auburndale High School’s Hall of Fame.