She grew up in California and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. She and her husband moved to Boulder with their 2 children in 1968. Their third child was born in Boulder. All three attended Boulder schools through high school.

She received a Master in Architecture from University of Colorado in Denver in 1988. She worked in the field and taught in the Environmental Design Department in Boulder for a number of years before starting her own firm. While teaching at CU, she realized how difficult it is to attend college without having support emotionally and financially, especially as a first generation student. She is honored to be able to help and support Boulder County Latina League mission. She believes it is so valuable to give back and play forward the support and help she has received in her journey.