My family came to the United States as refugees with nothing. Through the support of the community, teachers and staff at California public schools, my siblings and I were given opportunities that allowed us to thrive. I feel strongly that my success is a direct result of the high-quality public school education I received from preschool through high school.

About Me

After graduating high school in San Jose, I earned a full scholarship to Marquette University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. I was commissioned in the US Navy as a Cryptologic Officer in May 1997. 

I completed my Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in 2002, while stationed at the National Security Agency, and was named the NSA’s Junior Officer of the Year in 2001 for Analysis and Production. In 2004, I left active duty after seven years to pursue my Optometry degree.

While serving in the Navy Reserve as the Executive Officer of NR Navy Information Operations Command Camp Parks, I completed my Doctor of Optometry at UC Berkeley in 2009 and my residency in Primary Care and Vision Rehabilitation at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northport, NY, in 2010.

My husband and I returned to California, I opened my optometry office in Sacramento, and we settled in Granite Bay to raise our children with the importance of a good public education in mind.

In March 2020, I was activated in the California Air National Guard as a medical liaison officer, providing regional medical support teams to medical facilities throughout the state. I served as the Commander of the 129th Medical Group from 2021 to 2024, and I retired as a Colonel in the California Air National Guard in May 2025.