# data[].attributes.body
My name is Maria Camarena, and I am 46 years old. I am a proud Hispanic mother of three. I have been happily married since 1998, and my family is at the heart of everything I do. My love for children and passion for supporting their growth and well-being inspired me to pursue a career in child development. I currently hold an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development and am continuing my educational journey by working toward a Bachelor's degree in Human Development. Every child deserves a strong foundation, and I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families in my community.

# data[].attributes.body
I was born into a story of strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love. My mother was an immigrant from Michoacán, Mexico, who came to the United States when she was just 14 years old—pregnant with me and determined to build a better life for us. As a single mother, she worked incredibly hard to provide for me, often facing difficult struggles to make sure I had food to eat and clothes to wear. Her strength and resilience shaped the person I am today.

Growing up, I watched my mother overcome challenge after challenge with courage and love. Even when times were tough, she never gave up on me or her dreams for my future. Her example taught me to be strong, grateful, and compassionate.

Tragically, I lost my mother on July 3, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her passing left a deep hole in my heart, but her memory continues to inspire everything I do. I carry her spirit with me in all aspects of my life, especially as I pursue my education and raise my own children with the same love and dedication she showed me.

# data[].attributes.body
My husband also came to this country in search of a better life—not for himself, but for his parents. At only 17, he began working with his uncle as a gardener. That’s how our paths crossed. I married him in 1997, and we’ve been happily together ever since. We have three wonderful children—our oldest is now 27, our middle daughter is 21, and our youngest is 18. Watching them grow into kind, strong individuals has been one of my greatest joys.

In 2008, we moved to Fontana and bought our very first home. It was a proud and emotional milestone for our family, a symbol of how far we had come together through hard work and love. Our life hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been full of purpose, family, and hope for a brighter future.

# data[].attributes.body
To me, ethics means doing what is right, even when no one is watching. It’s about having integrity, being honest, and treating others with respect and fairness. Ethics is the foundation of trust—not just in our personal lives, but in our communities and workplaces as well. Growing up watching my mother’s sacrifices and now raising my own children, I’ve learned that ethical behavior isn’t just about following rules, but about living with values like compassion, responsibility, and empathy.

In my opinion, being an ethical leader means leading by example. It takes humility, courage, and a strong moral compass. An ethical leader listens to others, makes decisions based on fairness, and takes responsibility for their actions. They don't just think about what benefits them, but what is best for the people they serve. I believe that true leadership isn’t about power—it’s about service and staying grounded in values no matter how difficult the situation may be.

# data[].attributes.body
One interesting article I found on the role that ethics plays in organizational culture discussed how ethical values directly influence employee behavior, decision-making, and overall workplace morale. The article emphasized that when organizations clearly define and uphold strong ethical standards, it creates a culture of trust, accountability, and respect. It also pointed out that leadership plays a major role in modeling ethical behavior, which sets the tone for the entire organization. I found it especially meaningful that ethical cultures not only lead to better teamwork and communication but also help companies succeed long-term by earning the trust of employees, clients, and the community.

# data[].attributes.body
In my free time, I enjoy traveling to new places, shopping for unique finds, and most importantly, spending quality time with my family. These moments recharge me and remind me of what truly matters—love, connection, and creating lasting memories together.