Biography

Passion is what drives human beings to fufill dreams and set goals bursting with ambition. My passion has been educating those around me about the serious health issues concerning secondhand smoke. It was not until recently that I received the opportunity to make a bigger impact. I provided a personal testimony to the Farmington City Council in support of the clean indoor air ordinance, which passed with a three to one vote. Soon after, I had the wonderful opportunity to become the facilitator of Youth coalition Against Tobacco (YCAT), and also working with Citizens concerned About Secondhand Smoke (CCASS). While working with these groups, I have enforced our local clean air ordinance as well as recruited youth from the local area. Working with youth on presentation skills and legislative training has been highly rewarding. Gettng to know the youth I work with and understanding the peer pressures of their daily lives is one of the best rewards of all. I have taken trips with my YCAT delegate to the Youth Empowerment Advocacy Heroes (YEAH) training sessions as well as attended other YEAH events. I have spoken with state legislators to advocate in support of the Dee Johnson Clean Indoor Act, New Mexico's staewide clean indoor air ordinance. This is only the beginning of what is to come for the future. My goals are set high and my passion remains strong.