I have always been very passionate about the well being of children, so I returned to school and began studying child development in the evenings after work, tutoring homeless children, I used vacation and sick time at work to volunteer with organizations that seek to build change for the less fortunate.

Following my passion down this path I observed young girls and the lack of negative feelings they felt about themselves. I noticed lack of self-confidence and the lack of motivation to want more out of life. I observed media exploitation of women, I noticed girls were not being challenged or exposed to environments that edify team building. These young girls were our future leaders, teachers, doctors, decision makers and someday mothers of a generation to follow. Simultaneously while working for Mayor James K. Hahn, I developed SONGS Inc. Sister's Opening New Gates Inc. with the assistance of teachers, professionals and parents trained in the area of teenage adolescents' development.

The organization was established in 2002. The success of SONGS is credited to my very own teenage sister. She challenged me daily as she grew. My sister would brag to her friends that my sister could help you feel better about yourself and she can help with your college essay. In the beginning it was frightening because it was now time for me to take action. My sister challenged me and she empowered me and I now have a purpose.