October 16, 2024

Latina Leaders Paving the Way:
Reflections from California Assemblymembers Wendy Carrillo and Luz Rivas

By Paula Valle

Latina leadership in California has become more prominent because of trailblazing women like California Assemblymembers Wendy Carrillo and Luz Rivas, but there is still work to be done. Both women have overcome significant barriers on their paths to leadership, using their roles to advocate for the Latino community and gender equity. With the elections of Carrillo and Rivas in 2017 and 2018, respectively, Latinas by December of 2018 would now hold a record 15 of the 29 legislative seats in the California Latino Legislative Caucus marking significant progress toward gender balance and greater representation. Through their unique approaches, Carrillo and Rivas have set the stage for a new generation of Latina leaders, offering a powerful testament to the strength and determination needed for impactful policy leadership.  

As a first-generation immigrant from El Salvador and formerly undocumented Latina who grew up in East Los Angeles, Carrillo has been a tireless advocate for her community. In a recent conversation, Carrillo shared her proudest accomplishments, the challenges she has faced, and her vision for the future of Latina leadership in the state.

“My proudest achievements came from serving as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee on State Administration where I learned how to push forward bold budget allocations that funded Latina led research, programs and workforce development that were then highlighted through the Select Committee on Latina Inequities that I also chaired.”

Those budget wins included millions in funding for Latina Futures 2050 Lab (Latina Futures), the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, women in construction, Hispanics Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), which is building a pipeline of Latina civic leaders, and the creation of The Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program through the California Victims Compensation Board. This groundbreaking initiative has shed light on the systemic barriers faced by Latina women, including the fight for recognition of women that were forcibly and unknowingly sterilized in state institutions.

Carrillo has also made significant strides in addressing the lack of Latina representation in media and entertainment. Through her work on the California film tax credit program, she has helped create new standards that require production companies to implement hiring practices that are more reflective of the people of the state of California. Carrilo shared that this groundbreaking approach aims to ensure that there is “more diverse storytelling that includes the voices of the Latino community.”

As Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, Rivas is proud of the pivotal role she played in shaping critical climate change legislation, ensuring that California remained a leader in addressing environmental issues. “California is seen as a state that leads the way, especially on climate issues,” Rivas explained. “For me it was important to make sure that environmental justice communities’ needs were not overlooked.”

Rivas, a first generation Mexican-American, raised in the working-class neighborhood of Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley, has been deeply influenced by her upbringing, driving her advocacy for improving opportunities for underserved communities throughout her political career. Which is why Rivas is especially proud of her time as Chair of the Los Angeles County delegation, where she led a group of California legislators who represent districts within Los Angeles County to advocate for policies and resources benefiting the County. With 27% of California’s population living in Los Angeles County, Rivas emphasized the importance of ensuring the region received its fair share of state funding. “It’s not just about our County, but also about us getting what we deserve,” she asserted.

Despite their many achievements navigating the political landscape as a woman and a Latina has presented its own set of obstacles. Carrillo noted how women legislators, including herself, are often addressed by their first names, while male legislators are addressed by their titles—an issue that underscores the sexism that women leaders face. Rivas, too, has dealt with dismissive attitudes as a Latina leader. “Oh, it’s the Latinas that are complaining,” Rivas recalled hearing from colleagues. Both leaders have found strength in building alliances, relying on support networks, and finding mentors. Rivas regularly met with and organized a group of her Latina colleagues in the legislature to provide mutual support and strategize on how to navigate the challenges they faced as Latina leaders.

Looking to the future, Rivas is particularly excited about initiatives like Latina Futures, which seeks to achieve gender equity for Latinas by the year 2050. She believes these efforts will create vital connections and opportunities for the next generation of Latina leaders. 

Carrillo believes there is still much work to be done, she would love to see the California Latino Legislative Caucus create an agenda to elevate the Latino middle class. “The conversation is often about the very top 1%, tax the rich, and the very vulnerable low-wage workers, but the gap in between is growing and growing and that is the majority of the Latino electorate…and you can expand that beyond Latinos,” she explains. “Conversations around the middle class and access to the middle class are critical.” As a legislator who straddles that middle ground, Carrillo understands the unique challenges faced by families striving to achieve financial stability and security. 

As Carrillo looks to the future, her message is clear: the Latino community must demand more and not settle for incremental progress. She encourages the California Latino Legislative Caucus, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary, to develop a cohesive agenda that uplifts the middle class and amplifies the voices of a new generation of Latina leaders. Rivas likewise wants to see a California where everyone has access to economic opportunities, equitable pay, and resources to thrive. 

“We belong in every room, and we belong at every table,” Carrillo declares. She encourages young women to embrace their worth and the sacrifices of their ancestors, reminding them that “what’s meant for you, it will be yours.” Carrillo envisions a future where Latinas are represented at the highest levels of government and in every sector of society.

Rivas and Carrillo have paved the way for future generations of Latina leaders through their resolve and fortitude in championing issues-based governance that anticipate the disparate impact of future challenges like climate change and growing inequality on communities of color. While they have faced distinct challenges—whether combating anti-Latina sentiment or advocating for economic equity—their stories are united by a shared vision of empowerment and progress for the Latino community.