Board of Directors
2024-2025
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Co-Chair: Andres Ramirez
Email: co-chairs@clcaf.org
Townsend Public Affairs Inc.Andres Rangirez is a Deputy Director at Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. a full service lobbying firm with offices in Sacramento, Washington DC, Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California -- representing Local Government, Public Agency, Non-Profit, and Private Sector Clients.
Andres has experience and proven success in policy creation, shepherding bills through the legislative process, securing direct fiscal allocations for clients through the CA State Budget and Federal Appropriations processes, and providing strategic consulting to clients navigating the complexities of the political landscapes in Sacramento and Washington, DC.
Andres is a native of Sacramento and enjoys staying involved in the athletic and other extracurricular programs at Holy Spirit Parish School and Jesuit High School, both of which are his alma mater. Andres attended UCLA where he was a member of the rugby team and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations.
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Co-Chair: Brandon Garcia
co-chairs@clcaf.org
Office of Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes (AD-50)Click here to connect on Linkedin
Brandon García is a Senior Consultant for the Office of Assembly Majority Leader Emerita Eloise Gómez Reyes. In this role, he staffs Asm Reyes on two of her standing committees: the Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee & the Assembly Housing Committee. Beyond these two issue areas, he has experience working on various policy issues including: transportation, environmental protection, water, recycling, governmental organization, telecommunications, cannabis, judiciary, business & economic development, as well as staffing the Assemblymember on the Latino Caucus.
Prior to joining her office, Brandon worked in the Third House at both large and small firms. Over the years he has held many roles such as registered lobbyist, legislative coordinator, office manager, and intern during his time in the private sector. He has previously worked on technology, higher education, veterans affairs, and insurance policy as well as association management. As someone who has worked both inside and outside the Legislature, he has experience in staffing numerous bills that have been signed into law and has successfully advocated to secure funding in the state budget.
On his time off he enjoys writing, games, working on his craft, traveling, new experiences, and watching Kings basketball. Brandon is a native of Sacramento, who earned his B.A. in Government (International Relations) and a minor in Communication Studies from CSU Sacramento.
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Secretary: Cynthia Yepez
secretary@clcaf.org
Office of Assemblymember David Alvarez (AD-80)Cynthia Yepez (she/her/ella) serves as a Legislative Assistant in the office of Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego). In this capacity, she handles various policy areas, including TK-12, higher education, education finance, the State Allocation Board, health, and binational affairs. Prior to assuming this role, she served as a Senate Fellow in Senator Rubio’s office. Preceding her fellowship, she worked as a Family College Advisor for the UC Davis Early Academic Outreach Program.
Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - Public Service with a minor in Chican@ studies from UC Davis in 2021. A proud Latina and first-generation college graduate, she is the daughter of immigrant parents and grew up in Bellflower, CA.
Beyond work, Cynthia enjoys connecting with her family, exploring new coffee or boba spots, and using photography as her creative outlet.
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Treasurer: Cole Klein
treasurer@clcaf.org
Office of Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (AD-13)Cole Klein is currently serving as a Legislative Assistant to Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, (D-Stockton). In his role, he works on a diverse portfolio of policy areas such as energy, public safety, business and professions, natural resources, and elections. He is also staffing the Assemblymember in his capacity as a member of the Assembly Agricultural Committee.
Prior to his current role, Cole was the Legislative Director at a top-10 lobbying firm, Strategies 360. During his time at the firm, he conducted research and analyses on emerging policies and issues; drafted position letters, tracked legislation through various channels; as well as provided reports on statewide and budgetary actions for the firm's various clients.
Cole was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. His passion for public service began at an early age and was bolstered by the example and guidance of his family and other community members. Cole earned his B.A. in political science from Sacramento State University.
Cole enjoy playing golf, piano and being outdoors in his free time.
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Communications Director: Sebastian Aguilar Tinajero
communications@clcaf.org
Office of Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (AD-51)
Sebastian Aguilar Tinajero is a Legislative Assistant in the Office of Democratic Caucus Chair, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (AD-51). In this role he works on various policy areas including utilities and energy, business and professions, transportation, environmental issues, human services, and education, among others. Prior to this role, Sebastian served as a Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow in the Office of Assemlymember Laura Friedman.
Sebastian received his Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and Labor Studies from UCLA in 2022, where he researched the pandemic’s effects on student workers and the U.S-Mexico Border’s impact on marginalized migrants.
Sebastian is a proud son of immigrants and a first-generation, formerly undocumented Latino who grew up in San Diego, CA.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking his dog, watching movies, attending concerts, traveling, and taking pictures!
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Membership Director: Jenilee Fermin
membership@clcaf.org
Office of Assemblymember Gregg Hart (AD-37)Jenilee Fermin can be described as a pro-active and empathetic leader and communicator. In her professional capacity, she serves as a Legislative Assistant for Assemblymember Gregg Hart (CA-37) where her policy portfolio includes human services, labor, transportation, and aging and long-term care issues. She previously worked as a Field Representative for Assemblymember Rudy Salas where she provided resources to rural communities and resolved hundreds of constituent cases.
Prior to joining the Assembly, she worked in health administration for 8 years. Jenilee is a first-generation oldest child of immigrants and the first in her family to obtain a post-secondary education. She fulfilled her dream of moving to Sacramento to work at the State’s Capitol in January 2023.
Jenilee is passionate about mentoring women and youth, her issues of interest include: immigration, mental health, criminal justice reform, and reducing economic disparities. Jenilee is a proud Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Leadership Institute alumni. She enjoys community service, civic outreach, and empowering marginalized voices.
In her free time Jenilee appreciates art, likes to explore, spend quality time with her daughter and husband, read, write, and laugh with friends.
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Policy Director: Jazmin Marroquin
policy@clcaf.org
Office of State Senator Maria Elena Durazo (SD-26)Click here to connect on Linkedin
Jazmin Marroquin is a policy analyst in the office of Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles). In this role, she works on various policy areas including judiciary, human services, education, business and professions, and women’s caucus policy issues. Prior to this role, she was a legislative aide in former Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez’s office and before that, worked as a Graduate Student Assistant at the California Air Resources Board and at CalRecycle.Jazmin received her Master’s in Public Policy from McGeorge School of Law in 2019, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in history from UC Merced in 2017. She is a proud daughter of immigrants and first-generation Latina who grew up in the Central Valley. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, attending concerts, visiting new places, trying new food, and asking people if she can pet their dogs.
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Events Coordinator: Jhosseline Guardado
events@clcaf.org
Office of State Senator Dave Min (SD-37)Jhosseline Guardado is a dedicated Legislative Aide for Senator Dave Min, specializing in energy, housing, insurance, and education issues. With a solid foundation in the legislative process and an intricate understanding of key stakeholders, she brings valuable expertise to her role. Jhosseline's journey began as a Scheduler for Senator Susan Rubio, where she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for policymaking. A proud first-generation graduate, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from UC Davis. As a DACA recipient, Jhosseline is passionate about advocating for inclusive policies that benefit all communities.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jhosseline Guardado enjoys staying active by weightlifting and engaging in outdoor activities. She also finds joy in cooking new recipes, exploring local thrift shops for unique finds, and diving into a good book to unwind and expand her horizons. These hobbies allow her to balance her busy schedule and recharge her energy for her advocacy work and legislative responsibilities.
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Lobbyist Liaison: Stephanie Estrada
liaison@clcaf.org
Cruz StrategiesStephanie Estrada is the Director of Government Affairs for Cruz Strategies, a Latino-owned lobbying firm in Sacramento. In this capacity, she diligently monitors issues critical to clients, while keeping them well-informed about California’s ever-changing political landscape.
Prior to joining Cruz Strategies, Stephanie served as a Community Representative and Press Aide for the administration of Mayor Todd Gloria. Notably, she spearheaded San Diego's inaugural High School Voter Registration Challenge, significantly boosting youth voter registration citywide. Additionally, Stephanie acted as Mayor Todd Gloria's bilingual spokesperson, simplifying complex policy information for Spanish viewers and listeners.
Stephanie earned a Bachelor's degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution, with a Minor in Spanish from San Diego State University. She is a proud first-generation Latina college graduate from Richmond, CA, where her family operates a small business. In her free time, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops, going on runs, and visiting her hometown in Michoacán, México.
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Fellows and Interns Representative: Hector De Leon
fellows@clcaf.org
Office of Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes (AD-50)Hector De León (he/him) is a Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow with the Office of Assembly Majority Leader Emerita Eloise Gómez Reyes. In his role, he staffs Public Safety, the Select Committee on State Parks, and staffs the issues areas of: Education, Labor, Health, Insurance, Elections and Redistricting, and Public Employment and Retirement.
Prior to the Capitol Fellowship, Hector was an undergraduate at UCLA, where he became the first student in the history of the University of California to quadruple major and minor. He majored in: Public Affairs, Labor Studies, Chicana/o Studies, and Geography, with a minor in Education Studies (Graduating Class of 2023).
At UCLA, Hector was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, and a Policy Fellow at the Latino Policy & Politics Institute. He also was involved with his culture through Grupo Folklórico, the UCLA Latine Film & Theatre Association, MEChA de UCLA, and as an alumni scholar with the UCLA Latino Alumni Association.
Hector is the proud product of the Inland Empire and of a family from Jalisco, México, who came to California as bracero farmworkers, garment workers, and construction workers. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, running, being outdoors, playing sports/soccer, weightlifting, and trying new food.