In 1979, at the age of 7, Ceci was brought by her mother to the United States along with her brother and sister.
“Our family was fleeing civil war in El Salvador and my Mother dreamed of a better future for us in America."
Ceci graduated from Santa Ana Valley High School in 1990 and Cal State Fullerton in 2001.
“Education is paramount and must be our focus if we want productive contributors to our communities.”
Even before graduating, Ceci was already giving back to the country that embraced her family joining Project Together in 1997 .
“I still remember mentoring a teenage girl and I never forget what it felt like. Young adults are thirsty for the opportunity to be heard."
Ceci's pledge to be a voice for youth and would work to support youth projects led her to serve as a Board Member of the Santa Ana Youth Council.
"This helped me to appreciate what young people have to share. In doing so, we become better people while building better communities.”
She has also been a poll worker for the Registrar of Voters, Census Volunteer, and led a Voter Registration Project for Santa Ana and Garden Grove.
“There is nothing more important than participating in our community and encouraging others to do the same. We become better leaders."
Ceci wants to ensure that the needs of Seniors are being heard and met. So too with Veterans of the Armed Forces who have defended our nation.
“We must take care of those who have worked so hard before us and the men and women in uniform who risk their lives on our behalf.
Today, Ceci is addressing the needs of the Deaf Community in Orange County as founder and volunteer CEO of the Santa Ana Family Empowerment (S.A.F.E.)
“It is important to ensure that all children have access to quality education and effective communication with their parents --- including the deaf.”
Ceci is a resident and member of the Windsor Village Neighborhood Association in Santa Ana where she is actively addressing neighborhood issues.
"If we focus on neighborhood issues, we develop healthy relationships with our neighbors. In doing so, we will build trust and empower neighborhood leaders."
