Grace was raised in Kern County, California. As the daughter of migrant farmworkers who worked throughout the San Joaquin Valley, Grace understands what it’s like to put her shoulder to the wheel and push ahead.
As a young woman, Grace worked for the United Farm Workers (UFW) in the service center. While working with the UFW, Grace learned what public service is about and what could be achieved when workers have a common goal.
For three decades, Grace worked at Pacific Bell/SBC, the local phone company.
Upon retirement from SBC, Grace didn’t miss a step enhancing her public service skills and went to work for the Delano Joint Union High School District in the business office. Grace worked directly with the district’s youth and became involved in helping the student body governments and athletics teams with fundraising. After 15 years, she retired from the local district.
With over 14 years of experience on the Delano City Council, Grace has mastered the art of fundraising and municipal planning. She was the first Latina elected to the Delano city council, and she has been selected to serve as Mayor four times. Prior to serving on council, Grace was a Planning Commission in Delano for several years in the 1990s.
Grace is now seeking to expand her public service by running to represent the newly drawn 4th District on the Kern County Board of Supervisors. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and her roots run deep in this community.