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About Gaby

My Roots:

I was born and raised right here in Oxnard. My parents immigrated from Mexico to give me and my three brothers a better life. While growing up, I learned the meaning of hard work by picking and selling strawberries as well as supporting my family’s small business selling flowers at farmers' markets. I am also the proud product of our K-12 schools, where I attended Driffill Elementary School, Haydock Intermediate School (now Manuel Lopez Academy of the Arts), and Oxnard High School. As a first-generation college graduate, I earned my bachelor’s degree from UCSB and master’s from Cal Lutheran. I’m grateful to my parents for encouraging my brothers and me to pursue a better life through education - today my brothers and I are all proud public servants supporting our community in government and public education.

My Community

My roots here in Oxnard have inspired my career. As the beneficiary of hardworking parents and an excellent education, I have spent the last two decades serving working families and young people. My career began with Future Leaders of America, where I trained young leaders in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties before working at Oxnard College, where I continue to help residents access economic mobility through higher education. I’m passionate about serving our community, which is why I’ve volunteered and served on various community boards including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, the Oxnard Police Chief’s Advisory Council, the Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association, and the Oxnard College Foundation, among others. Throughout my career, I have been inspired by and motivated to serve our shared community.

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My Experience

Career:

  • Oxnard College, Title V Grant Director, Proyecto Éxito, 2022-Present

  • Oxnard College, Student Activities Specialist, 2015-2022

  • Future Leaders of America; Executive Director, 2012-2014; Development Director, 2008-2012;Program Coordinator, 2004-2008

Union Membership:

  • SEIU 99, 2016-2022

 

Volunteer:

  • Oxnard College Foundation, Board Member, 2023-Present

  • I’m a Kid Who Can Nonprofit, Founder and Vice President, 2023-Present

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, Board Member & Secretary/Executive Board, 2022-Present

  • Chief’s Advisory Council, Member, 2020-Present

  • Oxnard’s Cesar Chavez March, Volunteer, 2016-Present

  • Oxnard Monday Club, President, 2024-Present;     Vice President, 2022-2024; Member, 2014-2016, 2019-2022

  • Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association, Volunteer, 2021-Present

  • Annual Walk to End Alzheimers Walk of West Ventura County, Co-Chair, 2021

  • Lucha Inc., Board Member, 2019-Present

  • LULAC, Director of Women, Ventura County LULAC Chapter, 2018-2019

  • McCune Foundation, Grant Making Committee Member, 2015-2021

 

Education:

  • Cal Lutheran University, Master’s of Science

  • UCSB, Bachelor’s degree 

  • Oxnard High School, Diploma, 2004

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