Candidate for
Board Member; Hayward Unified School District

From 1983-1988, I served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. My job was to think quickly, work as part of a team and have compassion toward the patient as the team tended to their injuries or illness. From the 11th grade, I had envisioned myself joining the Navy and the sense of pride that it gave me.

In 1988 I began work in the legal field and have worked at the same law firm since 1993 (with a small break of 4 years). As a Legal Administrator, I wear many hats reconciling financial documents and work closely with attorneys and insurance clients to ensure smooth billing requirements. I also work closely with the office manager maintaining and streamlining the roles of employees. My break of 4 years from the legal profession was to be a small business owner. I assisted and educated families and small businesses regarding debt management, various insurances and investment planning.

Most importantly, I'm a mother of two students in the HUSD. Being a working mom has increased and honed my skills in multi-tasking, mediating, budgeting, nursing, coaching, teaching, cooking and cleaning!

Personal background:

I am originally from northeast Pennsylvania. I grew up on 34 acres and was very adventurous in exploring the property. You might say I'm a small-town girl at heart. My high school was in the town of Montrose, Pennsylvania and I was part of a graduating class of 192 students. During high school, I had the opportunity to take business classes with several teachers (Mr. Valentine, Mr. Sampson) who encouraged me to pursue my dream of joining the Navy. On the opposite end of the spectrum, my business skills teacher (Mrs. Reynolds) was a hard and strict teacher. However, she was instrumental in my being part of several clubs, my most favorite being the Future Business Leaders of America. Mrs. Reynolds' encouragement helped me to compete at the state level in this club and I won many awards.

Once I had joined the United States Navy, I made my way to Oakland, California. I discovered a whole new set of exploration within California and began mountain biking, waterskiing, snow skiing and horseback riding. My inner creative child drives me to scrapbook, embroider and make jewelry. Also, perhaps the tomboy in me enjoys football and baseball games.

Proudly, I am part of a multi-cultural, multi-generational household where Spanish is spoken. My husband and I are parents of elementary school children in the HUSD and we place a high priority on the children speaking English to prepare them for the future workforce and to allow for more advancement opportunities in life. I've been active with the school district by attending parent meetings, school board meetings and have been a member of FITAG to present ideas to the school district. I believe in active participation in the children's lives. I am also active within the City of Hayward to ensure my community is well informed. Growing up in an environment where money was tight gave me more resolve to make sure that the children I had would have better opportunities than me.

Education:

Associate of Arts from Chabot College (1999)

Licensed financial representative with a Series 6 and 63 license, along with a Life, Health & Disability license (2001). These are state and federally mandated licenses required to be a financial representative and allows me to educate and assist families/businesses in the area of retirement investments.

I have spent time on myself through seminars and numerous hours reading books to improve my outlook on life and allow me to be successful. I take pride in continually learning.

Please visit my website at http://www.HeatherReyes4Hayward.com.