Author was born in the Cape Verde Islands, came to the states at the age of three and grew up in Massachusetts. Attended Boston University. Moved to California in 1988 where she met her husband. She and her husband moved to Las Vegas, Nevada several years ago where they still live. She is the mother of two children, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She has been a member of Toastmasters International for several years and has served as a District officer and club officer.