About me
Born and raised in San Francisco, I am the ninth of ten children in a family of entrepreneurs. Growing up in such a large, dynamic household presented its challenges, particularly in forging my own identity. However, it also instilled in me a resilience and adaptability that would prove invaluable in the years to come. My journey took an unexpected turn when I became a mother at 17. Faced with the responsibility of parenthood, I made decisions driven by the necessity to survive and provide. While challenging, this period of my life taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and the importance of second chances. Despite early encounters with the legal system that initially deterred me from pursuing my dream of becoming an attorney, a fortuitous conversation in 2012 rekindled my passion for law. A chance meeting led to the suggestion of exploring a paralegal program – a pivotal moment that would transform my life's trajectory. This program not only provided me with a deep understanding of the law and my rights but also became the catalyst for a complete personal and professional metamorphosis. For the past decade, I have dedicated myself to the paralegal profession, continually growing and making meaningful contributions to the legal field. My career began at the Habeas Corpus Resource Center, where I spent four intensive years working on death penalty cases. In this role, I honed my skills in comprehensive case management, intricate legal research, and meticulous record-keeping. My efforts contributed to two significant case filings, one of which resulted in the overturning of a death sentence and the subsequent release of our client – a profound reminder of the power of diligent legal work in upholding justice.
Seeking to broaden my impact, I transitioned to the San Francisco Public Defender's Office. Over three years, I immersed myself in trial assistance, complex case organization, and in-depth legal research. My dedication and expertise were recognized with a promotion to Lead Paralegal, a role I have held for the past three years. In this capacity, I oversee and manage a team of twenty paralegals within the felony/serious crime unit – one of the most challenging and high-stakes areas of public defense. As a natural-born leader, I am committed not only to maintaining the highest standards of criminal justice work but also to fostering an environment of mentorship, education, and resources that cultivate confidence for Black women who are not fully represented in this sector. This line of work fuels my passion for the law and my commitment to helping others navigate the complexities of the legal system, especially those who, like me, may have faced adversity in their past.
