My Story

A woman with long dark curly hair is smiling and looking upward. She is wearing a white top with a low neckline, a gold necklace with a cross pendant, and has a background of pink and purple flowers with a blue sky. 
Hello!

I have always felt responsible for helping myself and others advance to greatness. I go out of my way to ensure those around me don’t experience the ugly side of life as I have.

A young child with brown hair smiling and lying on the snow, wearing a purple and pink jacket and black snow pants.
Woman taking a selfie in mirror, with hand on her head, wearing a black sleeveless top.

I was born in Albuquerque, NM. My mom was 16 years old when she gave birth to me. Despite her best efforts, the generational chains of addiction took hold of her life. By the age of 4-years old, I was a victim of sexual assault, witnessed domestic violence, and was responsible for caring for my newborn brother. 

Three months before my fifth birthday, I was placed into state custody.

My Great-Great Uncle Bob was awarded guardianship of me. My uncle did his best to provide me with the best life.  He experienced a divorce shortly after obtaining guardianship, had multiple relationships that didn’t last, and tried to expose me to new and wonderful things.

He has always been and is my biggest advocate.

A cheerful bald man wearing a light green T-shirt and dark shorts stands outdoors with a concrete wall and a man in the background. The background includes a vent and a black pipe on the wall, and a drink container with straws is in the foreground.
Reflection of a person taking a selfie in a glass window or mirror, with a room and some furniture visible inside.

There were times in my early teenage years when I was without my uncle. During these times, I would live with family members and friends. At some points, I would couch surf from one house to another. Without these individuals, I would have been on the streets with nowhere to sleep.

I started working at 12 years old, selling candy door to door. Many nights, I would not make it home until 9 or 10 o’clock and had to get up the next day for school. I struggled with my school attendance severely.

In middle school, I had a science teacher, Mr. McGuinness, who encouraged me to join the science team.

Here is where I discovered my passion for the STEM field and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology. We went on to compete in the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Challenge. That year, we won many awards.

Group of children and a man celebrating with trophies and medals outdoors at school or park
A woman and man smiling while holding a newborn baby wrapped in a hospital blanket.
A woman with curly hair taking a mirror selfie in a bedroom. She is wearing a black and white striped top, a beige cardigan, and a gold belt. The room has a bed with laundry, a wooden dresser, and wall decorations.

I became pregnant freshman year of high school. I was only 15 years old. I was a whirlwind of emotions, especially because I did not want to be a teen parent like my mother.

However, I knew I was going to break the generational chains for my child. I transferred to New Futures High School.

At New Futures, I had MANY successes thanks to the staff, my family, and my uncle. I was able to be the representative of New Futures at the APS Superintendents Advisory Group. I participated in the Super Computing Challenge, where I learned about computer coding and utilizing computer programs to simulate real-life solutions. I was able to attend and advocate for teen parents at Town Hall meetings.

I gave birth to my second child, Quinton, during my senior year of high school, three months before graduation.

A woman in a graduation gown and cap holding a sleeping baby and two young children, sharing a kiss on the baby's cheek against a plain textured wall.

After high school, I obtained employment and was registered at Central New Mexico Community College. I was juggling two kids, course loads, 30-hour-a-week employment, and work-study programs to make ends meet. When I graduated in 2019, I was awarded three associate degrees, one certificate, and was pregnant with my third child, Elora. 

I did attend the University of New Mexico for a short period. I was struggling with managing three children, work, and my own social-emotional needs. I placed a hold on my education on hold once to focus on full-time employment.

Young boy and woman in graduation caps and gowns celebrating outdoors.
A happy pregnant woman with dark, curly hair, wearing a pink flower hair accessory and a white dress, stands outdoors with her family. A man, possibly her partner, and a young boy, likely their son, touch her pregnant belly, which they are all smiling at. The background features greenery and a bright sky.
Three children standing on circular platforms in front of a green and black patterned backdrop, with red overhead lights and black and white film strip borders.

It was the end of 2020 when I re-enrolled in college and felt like I had a handle on life.

In 2021, I started working towards obtaining a diagnosis of ADHD for my oldest child. The goal was not to medicate but to utilize early intervention services to help meet his needs.

Two years later, my second child was also diagnosed with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

A short time later, it was recommended to have my daughter also evaluated. She was then diagnosed with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. 

Since the diagnosis, I have had a lot of self-reflection and realization. I also dedicated myself and time to meeting the needs of the kids. We now attend 7 therapy sessions a week between the three kids and me.

My Mother-in-Law (I’ve never been married, but she is the best mother-in-law anyone could ask for) was deported from the United States.

The impact this has had on our whole family is devastating.

She does have children here in the States that I love and care for deeply. I have been helping and supporting them in any way I can since her departure.

View of a beach scene at sunset with vendors selling colorful blankets, clothing, and crafts near the shore, and people walking along the beach, with mountains in the background. Two people, a woman and a child, are holding hands at the entrance, walking towards the beach.
Three people are on a sandy beach, with two women kneeling on the sand and a man standing behind them. The women are holding hands and appear to be engaged in a moment of connection or prayer. The scene is sunny, and various beach items, including water bottles and a towel, are scattered around.

I want to demonstrate to the children that anything is achievable when we set our minds to it.

They are all capable of amazing and great things.

That is why I chose to embark on the National American Miss Pageant. I was invited for many years, and finally responded this year. I am competing for the Miss New Mexico Elite group.