About Vanesa

FSD Parent and Long-time Resident. My husband, Ray, is my college sweetheart. We have lived and worked in South Fullerton for 20 years and our two children proudly attend Fullerton School District public schools.

English Language Learner to First-Generation College Graduate. I came to the United States at eight years old and was raised in a family where my mother worked hard to provide as a single mom. I attended public schools as an English language learner, and I attended both Fullerton College (FC) and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) as a 1st generation college student. I paid my way through college with scholarships, while pursuing dual degrees in Business Administration and Criminal Justice, graduating with honors in both majors.

Champion for English Language Learners and Parents. I was once an English language learner (ELL) and I understand the power of public education, which is why I have worked to support ELL families. I am an active member of our PTA and president of the English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC) at Raymond Elementary. I was elected by my peers as the President of the District English Learners Advisory Committee (DELAC) for the Fullerton Elementary School District. As DELAC President, I organize and represent multilingual parents and students across the district, representing their voices, challenges, and ideas to the District to improve student outcomes and parent voice.

Small Business Owner. I am chief executive of our family business, El Pachuco Zoot Suits, a pillar of the Fullerton community in District 5. We serve not only the local community but people across the world.

Community Leader. I am dedicated to the Estrella Family Foundation, a nonprofit initiated by my family and our business. I serve as a board member, and help to organize our backpack donations, toy distributions, prom dress donations and various other services aimed at supporting neighborhood schools, children, and families within the community. (Photo from Estrella Foundation.).

Local Arts and Culture: My daughters and I are the principal dancers in the non-profit dance troupe, Grupo Folklorico Monte Alban. Our group can be seen throughout Fullerton, with the goal of keeping Mexican Folklorico Dance traditions alive.