Are you from Orange County?

Yes, I was born and raised in Orange County, CA. My parents are both immigrants: Dad is Cuban Korean; Mom is Dominican Chinese.

Is it possible to describe your life? Give us your best shot.

I had a career in corporate marketing and advertising. It was an exciting, rewarding career. But I embraced my role as a full-time mom.  It’s been a  journey of personal growth and involvement in Catholic service. It began by volunteering a “classroom mom” in my children’s Catholic school. With time, I joined their school board.

When our children left for college, my philanthropic endeavors grew.  I chaired the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI) board, focusing on clergy leadership formation. There we launched the Disciple Maker Index, a tool that provided valuable insights into parish spiritual health. I’ve also served on boards for Legatus, ENDOW, EWTN, Magnificat Foundation, Live Action, Pueri Cantores, and Thomas Aquinas College.

My marriage and my faith is the foundation for everything. Together, Rob and I have navigated challenges, shared moments of pride, and supported each other’s commitment to serving the Catholic community.

What are your favorite books?

Joan of Arc by irreligious Mark Twain, St. Bernadette by Jewish author Franz Werfel. I generally read biographies.

What are some of your favorite quotes?

• “It was too easy to die for what was good or beautiful, for home or children or a civilization – it needed a God to die for the half-hearted and the corrupt.” —Graham Greene, The Power and the Glory
• “Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed. Each of us is loved. Each of us is necessary.” — Pope Benedict XVI
• “Do Whatever He Tells You.” John 2:5
• “In one kiss, you’ll know all I haven’t said.” — Pablo Neruda
• “I am not afraid; I was born to do this.” — St. Joan of Arc
• “If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.” — St. Therese of Lisieux

Who is your favorite saint?

St. Therese of Lisieux