Hi, I'm Ayensa
MY BACKGROUND
I was born in Caborca, Sonora and raised by my grandparents. As the daughter of a single mother, with a ninth-grade education, making minimum wage, I grew up with the struggles too many families in our district live with today.
At sixteen, I moved to Phoenix and have called it home ever since. I graduated high school at the top of my class and received a full ride to Arizona State University where I graduated with dual degrees in Political Science and Psychology.
After entering the workforce, I knew my path was elsewhere and I returned to school to pursue a law degree at the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, where I graduated in only 2.5 years. I was one of a handful of minority students graduating that semester and the only Mexican immigrant. Yes, I was “different,” but I belonged there; I just had to work harder, and I made it.
Against the advice of mentors, and with less than a year of practice, I decided I wanted to lead my own organization. In April of 2013, I formed my very own law firm, Cima Law Group, and have never looked back. The firm specializes in immigration, personal injury, and criminal defense. Since then, the firm has grown steadily to become one of the best-known boutique local firms in the valley.
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
Being my own boss, gave me the flexibility to create my own schedule and has allowed me to serve as chair of many local organizations, and even serve as a Pro-Tem Justice of the Peace in Maricopa County. Currently, I am the Chair of Children’s Action Alliance and the Chair of the Education/Community Committee for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Hispanic Ambassadors Council. Most recently, I have been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Arizona-Mexico Commission -- promoting cross-border collaboration and economic development.
I am here because of my family; and despite the challenges, I am grateful for all the opportunity I have found in the City of Phoenix. Unfortunately, those opportunities are becoming few and far between for those in District 3.
Phoenix has experienced substantial growth in recent years but with that has come growing pains. With lack of attainable housing and stagnant wages our unsheltered population has skyrocketed. We can no longer afford rubber stamps on the City Council – we need thoughtful and forward-thinking leadership.
BUILDING A SHARED VISION
The Right Priorities
Phoenix District 3 is home to the best neighborhoods in the City of Phoenix — from Sunnyslope, to Moon Valley and out to Stonecreek Golf Course. We offer some of the last attainable communities for young families looking to plant their roots. However, that dream is becoming more difficult as our middle class continues to feel the squeeze with the rising cost of living.
This district deserves a fighter. I have spent my career advocating for diverse communities in the courtroom and it would be my honor to bring that determination to the council.
I will bring a fresh perspective and solutions to the issues effecting our community — from aging infrastructure to reimagining and modernizing our city services. I will fight to ensure District 3 is getting the resources we deserve.