Born and raised in Southern California, Cheryl holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University. Northridge. After graduating, she worked with Crane Valves (a large industrial manufacturer) as a sales engineer. Later, as a young mother, she worked part-time with a venture capital firm in the human resources department. Throughout this time she volunteered at his son schools, participating in both leadership and support with organizing events, monthly teacher appreciation, annual giving and capital campaigns, and bake sales. Since moving to DC, she enjoyed local volunteer efforts with a few different non-profits.