After serving in both the Nevada Assembly and the Nevada Senate, this prominent Republican Party figure made history by becoming the first woman to hold the office of Nevada State Controller. Before she rose to prominence, she laid the foundation for her career through education and personal growth. She attended Occidental College, where she earned her undergraduate degree in political science—an early sign of her passion for public service. Later, she furthered her academic journey by obtaining a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from California State University, Long Beach, which helped sharpen her skills in governance and fiscal management.

Growing up in Los Angeles, California, she was raised in a close-knit family with strong Italian heritage, values that shaped her work ethic and dedication. Her personal life saw its share of transitions—she was married four times. Among those relationships, her longest and perhaps most significant was with Charles Augustine, a commercial airline pilot. Their marriage endured through many years until his passing in 2003, an event that deeply affected her.

Throughout her life, she demonstrated resilience, intelligence, and determination—qualities that defined her path in politics and public service. Her legacy continues to inspire many, especially women aiming to break barriers in government roles.