Vintage

Carmen is a recognized leader by many for her tenacity and commitment to ensuring Aliso Viejo remains a strong, viable community for generations to come. As the co-founder and former president of the Cityhood Committee, Carmen was successful in her attempt to bring a fiscally responsible cityhood plan to voters.

Upon incorporation on July 1, 2001, she was elected by her City Council colleagues to serve as the City's first Mayor, and served again as Mayor in 2006 and 2007.

Representing the citizens of Aliso Viejo, she currently serves as a board member for the San Joaquin TCA (Transportation Corridor Agency) and as an alternate Board Member of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). Carmen was a former alternate board member for ETRPA (El Toro Reuse Planning Authority) and served as the City's representative to the Great Park Advisory Council in 2007.

Carmen offers a well-rounded professional scope of experience in the social service field as well as land use planning and commercial development, serving both public and private sector clients. She holds a B.A. degree in English and Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Stanford University.