Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Baldwin Park Unified School District

Natalie Ybarra, a candidate for the Baldwin Park Unified School Board, is both an example of academic achievement as well as an advocate for what our students can accomplish given the right opportunities.

Natalie is a life long resident of Baldwin Park. She attended Bursch Elementary School, Olive Middle School and Baldwin Park High School. After graduating at the top of her class from Baldwin Park High School, Natalie received a full scholarship to attend Columbia University in the City of New York. Throughout her undergraduate career, she volunteered with the Liberty Partnerships Program to provide comprehensive pre-collegiate/dropout prevention programs and services to New York City youth.

Natalie attributes much of her knowledge and access to higher education to the Harvey Mudd College Upward Bound Program. Her experiences as a participant in the program throughout high school sparked her interest and appreciation for education. Her love of learning and understanding of the unique opportunity Upward Bound provided her, led her to return to her community every summer throughout college to work to educate future generations of underprivileged scholars.

It was through these summers, living and learning with high school students, that Natalie solidified her passion for providing low income, first generation college-bound students the information and motivation to graduate from high school and successfully graduate from institutes of higher learning. Natalie is currently the Assistant Director of the Harvey Mudd College Upward Bound Program.

Recently appointed to the Baldwin Park Planning Commission, Natalie has worked to make decisions that positively impact our community. She also co-hosted the first annual workshop series for Baldwin Park high school seniors this past fall where she worked through the entire college application process; providing feedback on personal statements, walking through CSU, UC and private school applications, as well as assisting students and their families with financial aid applications.

"It was from this experience that I made the decision to run for the School Board," Natalie states. "Seeing the motivation of the students and learning of their educational experiences, motivated me to seek out ways to highlight the potential within every Baldwin Park student. My goal is to continue the betterment of Baldwin Park by giving all students access to information and opportunity that will prepare them to ultimately graduate as career and college ready citizens. Education is a social responsibility and by improving the quality of education we provide our students, we'll improve the quality of our city".

Natalie is the oldest of five children. Coming from a single parent home has helped her to understand various educational challenges students in our community face. From a scholar athlete brother to a special needs sister, Natalie has worked to seek educational opportunities that meet the needs of each of her siblings. Natalie's personal background and professional experience make her well qualified to serve the needs of the students of Baldwin Park.