Carmen grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, and later spent a decade in the Middle East, where she earned a degree in English Literature and immersed herself in a vibrant international work environment. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she met her husband Alan, a Bay Area native, and they settled in Walnut Creek. The couple welcomed twin daughters, Cari and Ceri, and in 2020, they relocated to Burlingame to ensure their children could attend the area’s reputable public schools in a safe, charming community.

As a dedicated stay-at-home mom, Carmen is passionate about volunteering. She served as the Enrichment Program Chair on the Franklin Elementary PTA for two years and led initiatives like the BCE Read-a-thon and the National PTA Reflections Arts Program. Carmen believes strongly in the importance of enrichment opportunities for students. Carmen’s daughters are currently in the 6th grade at Burlingame Intermediate School, having transitioned from Franklin Elementary.

Professionally, she has a diverse background as a writer, journalist, and small business owner in fashion and home furnishings. She also unexpectedly ventured into quality assurance for biomedical devices, which introduced her to the Peninsula and helped her recognize it as an ideal place to raise a family.

Her family has greatly benefited from the district schools and the support provided by the Burlingame Community Education Foundation (BCE), including smaller class sizes, music programs, and wellness education. Carmen recognizes the profound impact that teachers and school staff can have on students' lives and is committed to giving back through her service on the BCE board.

In her free time, Carmen enjoys reading, playing word games, exploring different cultures and cities, and spending quality time with her family and friends, especially on Broadway or Burlingame Avenue. She is bilingual in English and Armenian and enjoys Zumba classes, appreciating the community of joy that they foster.