Email: co-chairs@clcaf.org
Blue Shield California

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Experienced lobbyist with success in policy creation, shepherding bills through the legislative process, defeating or amending harmful legislation, securing direct fiscal allocations through the CA State Budget and Federal Appropriations processes, and providing strategic consulting and navigation of the complex political landscapes in Sacramento and Washington, DC.

Representing Blue Shield of California where I serve as their Senior Lobbyist.

Email: co-chairs@clcaf.org
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee

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Jazmin Marroquin is a Committee Consultant for the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. Prior to this role, Jazmin was a policy analyst in Senator Maria Elena Durazo's office, 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 History minor from UC Merced in 2017. She is a proud daughter of immigrants and first-generation Latina who grew up in the Central Valley. Jazmin 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.

secretary@clcaf.org
Office of Senator Maria Elena Durazo (SD-26)

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Cynthia Yépez (she/her/ella) currently serves as a Policy Analyst in the office of Senator Durazo (SD-26). In this capacity, she analyzes legislation in various policy areas, which include judiciary, energy, insurance, governmental organization, and the Latino Caucus.

Previously, she served as a Legislative Assistant in the office of Assemblymember Alvarez (SD-80), where she staffed education (K-12 and higher education), education finance, the State Allocation Board, health, binational affairs, and Latino Caucus. Before assuming this role, Cynthia began her public service career as a Senate Fellow in the office of Senator Rubio (SD-22) through the esteemed Capital Senate Fellows Program.

Cynthia is a proud Latina, first-generation, transfer college graduate. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Public Service with a minor in Chican@ studies from UC Davis and her Associates Degree for Transfer from Cerritos College.

Cynthia is a proud daughter of immigrant parents from Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico. She grew up in Bellflower, CA, where she learned the value of community and understood the inequities communities had. Her family and the City of Bellflower are the root motivators of why she decided to enter a career in government.

Beyond work, Cynthia enjoys connecting with her family, thrifting, exploring new coffee or boba spots, and photography.

treasurer@clcaf.org
Office of Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (AD-51)

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Cole Klein is currently serving as a Legislative Assistant to Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, (D-Los Angeles). In his role, he works on a diverse portfolio of policy areas such as energy, natural resources, business & professions, water, and transportation. He is also staffing the Assemblymember in his capacity as a member of the Assembly Committees on Utilities & Energy and Natural Resources.

Prior to his current role, Cole served as a Legislative Assistant to Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, (D-Stockton). In this role he covered a variety of subjects such as public safety, agriculture, energy, and elections. Before joining the Legislature, 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 enjoys playing golf and spending time with family in his free time.

communications@clcaf.org

Office of Assemblymember Nick Schultz (AD-44)

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Sebastian Aguilar Tinajero is a Legislative Assistant in the Office of Assemblymember Nick Schultz (AD-44). In this role he works on various policy areas including utilities and energy, natural resources, and education, among others. Prior to this role, Sebastian served as a Legislative Assistant for Assdemblymember Rick Zbur and 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, and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration at Sacramento State University.

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 dogs, watching movies, attending concerts, traveling, and taking pictures!

membership@clcaf.org
Office of Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes (SD-29)

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Valerie Rodriguez is a Legislative Aide in the Office of Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes (SD-29). In her role, she analyzes key policy issues such as education and higher education, local government, and women’s rights, amongst others. 

A proud first-generation Latina from El Monte, California, Valerie was raised by a hard-working immigrant family from Guadalajara, Jalisco. Growing up in an underserved community, she developed a deep passion for advocacy, striving to uplift her community and amplify the voices of those often underrepresented in the policymaking process. 

Her path into public policy was shaped by transformative experiences, including the Sacramento Semester Program and the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) College Leadership Program. She began her academic journey at Rio Hondo Community College as a student-athlete before transferring to California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Soon after graduating, Valerie began her career at the Campaign for College Opportunity, focusing on higher education policy. Her work centered on dismantling barriers to college access, ensuring that students from underserved backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals regardless of their socioeconomic upbringing. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Sacramento’s vibrant food and drink scene and walking her dog, Remy. 

policy@clcaf.org
Office of Senator Caroline Menjivar (SD - 20)

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Clarissa Dominguez is a Legislative Aide in the Office of Senator Caroline Menjivar (SD - 20).

In this capacity, she handles various policy areas, including environmental quality, natural resources, and judiciary. Prior to this role, Clarissa served as a Legislative Assistant and Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow in the Office of Assemlymember Miguel Santiago.

Clarissa grew up in Los Angeles, CA and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Latinx Studies from Williams College in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her puppy, Gizmo, and practicing yoga.

events@clcaf.org
LAC Consulting & Stratton Consulting

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Currently, Alexis Villanueva works as a political fundraiser at LAC Inc. Consulting and Stratton Consulting, where she supports strategic political fundraising efforts. She has experience managing donor contributions, researching donor trends, and ensuring compliance in political finance.

As a dedicated professional with a diverse background, Alexis is driven by the power of creating connections and making a meaningful impact. Growing up in West Sacramento, she was inspired by the intersection of politics, community, and service—an influence shaped by her deep family roots in Sacramento, including her late great-grandfather Francisco Godina, an affiliate of the Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF). This passion led her to earn a B.A. in Political Science from California State University San Marcos.

Her career has spanned roles in political fundraising, finance, and marketing, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on financial strategy. At LAC Inc. Consulting and Stratton Consulting, she has managed complex financial operations and provided strategic support for budgeting and compliance, equipping her with strong analytical and organizational skills. Alexis is passionate about fostering growth and efficiency within organizations, whether through strategic financial planning or building meaningful partnerships.

Beyond her professional work, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops, attending Pilates classes with friends, experiencing the vibrant events in downtown Sacramento, and most of all spending time with family.

liaison@clcaf.org
Cruz Strategies

Stephanie 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.

fellows@clcaf.org
Office of Senator Josh Becker (SD-13)

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Alejandro Fisher is a proud first-generation Panamanian-American from Sacramento. A 2023 graduate of Sacramento State University, he currently serves as a Senate Fellow in Senator Josh Becker's office representing Senate District 13, while also serving as the Interns and Fellows Representative for the CLCAF, an organization that has played a pivotal role in his professional development since 2019.

His commitment to community service is demonstrated through his diverse leadership experiences, including serving as a Board Member for Youth Forward Nonprofit Organization and working as a Homebase Peer Mentor at American River Community College. Alejandro's legislative experience includes an internship with Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, where he gained valuable insight into the policymaking process.

A former participant in the CLCAF Brown Issues Policy Bootcamp, Alejandro has consistently shown his dedication to youth empowerment and public service. His athletic achievements include being part of Sacramento State's D1AA Rugby National Championship team in 2022. While pursuing his professional goals, he has also worked as a bartender at Mas Taco, developing strong interpersonal skills and connections. Outside of his professional pursuits, Alejandro is passionate about music production, channeling his creativity into composing and producing original tracks. 

With six years of involvement in CLCAF, he remains committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of Capitol Staffers, particularly those from diverse, intersectional backgrounds. His mission focuses on creating opportunities and resources for Fellows and Interns to thrive in public service.