As we begin the New Year, it is a time of both hope and concern.

Middle class and low income families have been left behind, and the tax bill just signed into law will make things even worse. And, too many of our children aren’t receiving the education they need and deserve.

And yet, the American Dream remains alive. As Americans, optimism comes naturally to us. If we’re going to preserve the American Dream, we have to preserve opportunity: The opportunity to create a better life for your family... the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender, ethnicity, birthplace, or sexual orientation…and the opportunity to carve your own path.

I know all this from firsthand experience, and I want to make sure that every person has the same opportunity. That’s why today, I‘m announcing my campaign for State Assembly.

I am an engineer by training, an educator by passion, and a public servant by instinct.

I was raised by my immigrant mother who cleaned bathrooms to pay for food and rent. My fifth-grade teacher encouraged me to learn about computers and my high school math teacher encouraged me to apply to MIT. Four years later, I graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT, where fewer than one in four students in the program were female. After working in engineering, my passion to get kids interested in science and technology led me to pursue a Master of Education from Harvard University.

I believe that science and technology offer a vital road to good jobs, and the fact that girls and women are not encouraged to pursue these fields leaves many at a permanent economic disadvantage. As a result, I founded DIY (Do-It- Yourself) Girls, a nonprofit based in Pacoima that offers programs for girls interested in science and technology. Since 2012, DIY Girls has served over 2,000 girls in grades 4-12, helping them to develop 21st century skills and capabilities as engineers and designers.

In the Assembly, I will continue to focus on creating economic opportunity for every Californian by fighting for quality educational opportunities that prepare them for higher paying jobs. And, I will work with local businesses to make sure they have opportunities to compete fairly with giant corporations.

I’m proud that as I start this campaign, I have the support of so many local leaders who have dedicated their careers to creating opportunity, including Congressman Tony Cardenas, Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and LA Councilwomen Nury Martinez and Monica Rodriguez. I’m just as proud to have the support of over 50 leaders in the fields of education and engineering, who know firsthand about the importance of creating economic opportunity through science and technology.

In the coming months, I look forward to hearing your concerns and dreams. I will work hard to earn your trust and support.