All voices matter - including my children
As a Filipino-American raising Armenian children, my home is a reflection of everything I believe public education should be: diverse, resilient, interconnected, and rooted in the stories that shape us.
My husband and our children carry the legacy of Armenian ancestors who survived the Armenian Genocide. Their story is one of unimaginable struggle, but also of strength, dignity, and hope. To not uplift Armenian voices in our schools and in our community would mean not uplifting the voices of my own children and their heritage.
But it goes deeper than that.
When I say all voices matter, I don’t mean it as a slogan — I mean it as a commitment. Glendale is beautifully multicultural. Our schools serve Armenian families, Filipino families, Hispanic families, Black families, Middle Eastern families, Asian families, multiracial families, and generations of newcomers who bring with them languages, cultures, and lived experiences that enrich every classroom.
And yet, too often, certain communities feel unheard or left out of important conversations. Parents feel siloed. Students feel unseen. Teachers feel overwhelmed by the challenges that come with meeting the needs of such a richly diverse district without the necessary support or representation.
As a mom, a public health leader, and a daughter of immigrants, I want to make sure:
All students, regardless of background, feel both seen and celebrated in our schools.
Black voices, often underrepresented in decision-making spaces, are listened to with intention and respect.
Hispanic and Latino voices, bring invaluable perspectives that strengthen our schools, enrich our classrooms, and help make our community exceptional.
Multi-ethnic and multilingual families are welcomed, supported, and not left behind.
Armenian voices are honored — not only because they are part of Glendale’s story, but because they are central to my family’s story.
Filipino voices make up 10% of the population, and we have never had an elected Filipino-American represented on the school board.
Our children shouldn’t have to choose which parts of their identity are acknowledged. Our families shouldn’t feel like their concerns are minimized. And our district shouldn’t make decisions without the very voices it exists to serve.
I’m running for school board because I want every child — including my own — to learn in a district that honors the fullness of who they are. A district where culture is not politicized, where parents are partners, and where students feel pride in the histories that shaped them and the futures they are building.
When we uplift every voice, we strengthen the whole district. And when we lead with empathy, representation, and accountability — we all rise together.
This is why I’m running.
This is why your voice matters.
And this is why I’m ready to represent the beautifully diverse families of GUSD.
