About Mia
I am a wife, a mom, and a grandmother. I am also the daughter of an Italian immigrant. My father and grandfather worked the strawberry fields and cherry orchards. They came to America because they believed in the promise of a better life. I believe too. I believe in the promise of Hollister. Family has always been a priority for me, and something worth fighting for. I strongly believe growth must be carefully managed to preserve our heritage and create a better future for our children, and grandchildren.
I graduated with honors from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. My focus was on Sustainability Planning: providing solutions for community, environment and building successful coalitions.
My experience has spanned the private, public and nonprofit sectors. For over 15 years I worked in the legal field, managing programs and staff. I spent ten years in the public sector, serving in the president’s office of Foothill Community College. At Foothill, my responsibilities included contracts and legal issues, coordinating college events, program and project management, budgets, marketing, design and communications. I served as Sustainability Coordinator for the campus for several years. I have also owned and operated a small business providing web and graphic design.
In recent years, I co-founded and managed a local nonprofit, San Benito Citizens for a Brighter Future. Our staff was all-volunteer, and our mission was to support our local community and economy. During the pandemic, our nonprofit created Celebrate! San Benito online magazine. The magazine provided free advertising and support for local businesses. In our first year, we provided support to over 80 local businesses as they struggled to keep their doors open during a very difficult time.
Being the Mayor of Hollister these past 18 months has been one of the most challenging and rewarding positions I have ever had! While progress in government moves slowly, we have been making changes that allow us to be more efficient and strategic in planning for the future! There are many initiatives underway and I am asking for your vote and support so that I might continue my work and get these projects across the finish line!