Birthplace: Fowler

What high school did you attend? Washington Union in Easton
 

Area you represent: California Transplant Donor Network appointed me to the Commission.
 

Time as an EOC Commissioner: 4 years
 

Profession: social worker
 

Do you sit on other boards/commissions? I sit on the board of Sequoia Community Health Clinic.
 

Best advice ever received: My dad told me to get my education so that I could support myself and not depend on anyone to support me. He encouraged me to be an independent woman.

Favorite advice I give: I tell everyone I meet to take care of their health – spiritual, physical, and mental.
 

Favorite restaurant, dish, or pig-out food: My favorite junk food … potato chips! Enchiladas or lasagna is my favorite pig out food.
 

Proudest moment: There have been a lot. I was happiest when I found out that my daughter, Adele Padilla who works for EOC, would be my kidney donor. That happened 13 years ago.
 

Greatest personal accomplishment: My greatest personal accomplishment was when I received my master’s in social work. At the time I was working, going to school, and serving as president of the local chapter of MAPA (Mexican-American Political Association).
 

Best vacation I’ve taken: The best vacation taken was my first cruise to the Mexican Riviera.
 

Favorite weekend activity: My favorite weekend activity is “vegging out” and trying to relax. I like to watch Fresno State softball games.
 

Last good movie I saw: American Gangster
 

Scariest experience: Recently, my scariest experience was not being sure if my body was rejecting my kidney. It turns out I had an infection that hospitalized me for 9 days.

If I had a million dollars I would … pay off my bills, go on a good family vacation, put some money aside for a foundation, pay off my relative’s debt, buy a new car, and buy my daughter a new car.

Favorite place to shop: Macy’s
 

Favorite childhood memory: My father played the guitar and my mother loved to sing; I remember sitting in the backyard during the summer and watching/hearing them sing Mexican songs.
 

Words that describe me best: family oriented, loyal, open minded to other religions and cultures, hard working
 

I like to watch: Oprah, CSI Miami, Shark, Without A Trace, Boston Legal
 

In my spare time … I haven’t had much spare time lately.
 

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is … that your family members are your best friends ... especially if you’re in politics.