Irene was raised in the farming community of Kerman, California, the second of five children. From an early age, Irene’s parents taught her the value of hard work, dedication and perseverance. To help provide for her family, Irene would work on the farms with her parents and siblings. Academically, Irene excelled and her dedication to her studies led her to the University of California at Fresno to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Irene worked her way through school serving in several capacities, including as a student assistant for the football team. To this day, Irene is a proud Fresno State Bulldog.
Soon after finishing college, like so many Nevadans, Irene decided to move to Southern Nevada to take advantage of the growth and promise Las Vegas offered. Irene took a position as a clerk to help open the MGM Grand and assist in launching the nationally recognized Employment Outreach Program, a position that would establish her path towards future professional successes.
Irene worked on several projects during her early years at MGM Grand, including the establishment of the Lion’s Cub Scholarship Program and Employee Emergency Relief Fund. In the years to come, Irene would work her way up in the company, drawing on the value of hard work she learned early in life. In 2008, Irene decided to further her education and became the first Latina to graduate with the Executive Masters of Business Administration from UNLV. Irene recently completed her 18 year career as an executive for one of the world's leading gaming companies. In her now previous role as Director of Construction Diversity for Project CityCenter, the largest privately-finance construction project in U.S. history, she was responsible for implementing and advancing the diversity strategy for the mixed-use urban development in the heart of Las Vegas. The initiative delivered an unprecedented success rate of engaging diverse businesses to design and build CityCenter. She also played an instrumental role launching the Company's Diversity Program which positioned MGM MIRAGE as a leader among other Fortune 500 companies committed to diversity.
Taught at an early age to believe in family, faith and community, Irene and her husband, Army Specialist Brad Adams, are raising two daughters, Olivia, who is 15 years old and Alaina, who is 11 years old. Irene has been very active in several Las Vegas civic organizations including the Latin Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Minority Contractors, Las Vegas Chapter, and the Organization of Chinese Americans. She has also been an active member for over 16 years at the Greater Las Vegas Church.
This sense of civic duty led Irene to run for the State Assembly. “I have a deep conviction that if you want to see change, you must first look within and be willing to step out of your comfort zone to achieve a greater outcome.
"As a military wife and working mother, Irene understands the challenges facing families today. “Seniors are concerned about paying their medical bills, parents are concerned about their kids’ education, business owners and workers are concerned about economic recovery. I strongly believe that by working together, we can overcome the serious problems facing our state and find real solutions—both immediate and long-term."
