Gabriela Mendez has over a decade of experience engaging with and supporting communities across California. She currently works for the California State Assembly and serves on the Latino Network Board, where she continues to build connections and support initiatives that strengthen communities. Gabriela is also a co-founder of Capacidades Diferentes, a community group that focuses on supporting families of children with special needs. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside, and hopes to use her background in public service and community engagement to cultivate meaningful change throughout California.