What author has inspired you?

John Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors. His depiction of the working families and stories of California created a voice for those Americans from the heartland. Steinbeck’s work is timeless, and the stories are just as relevant today as when they were written.

What are some of the most difficult obstacles to overcome as a Latina in state politics?

When I announced my bid for the State Senate, I was told to step aside and let a man who was terming-out of the State Assembly to run for the 24th Senate District. I said, "No." Women, and especially Latinas, have waited long enough. I ran and won the election overwhelming. This is a new century, and women no longer have to step aside.

What was the catalyst behind your transition from higher education to state politics?

Being an active leader in my union, the California Faculty Association, played a major role in my understanding of the socioeconomic need for change in California. I learned to organize communities and advocate on their behalf to improve schools, protect working families, and clean our environment.

You have been a state senator for a year. What has been the most significant difference between this role and the Assembly?

The size of the population and geographic area [a state senator represents] is twice as big as in the Assembly. It is the upper house of the state legislature and has the power to state appointees. There is more cohesiveness in the Senate, which allows the members to work closely together and in a more cordial manner. We are a tighter group because there are only 40 of us, not to mention we have Pro Tem John Burton who keeps the agenda moving.

How does your doctoral work impact your political aptitude?

My doctoral work had a significant impact on my political aptitude and vision. Teaching at different universities and at all levels of higher education helped me to experience and understand the different tier needs of students, faculty, and administrators. Part of the reason why I became interested in politics is because during my long career as an academic, I would often testify before policy hearings at the state and local level. I, then decided that instead of advising policy makers, I should be creating policy.

My interest for elected office began with being elected to the Los Angeles City Charter Commission. I wanted to see that communities that have traditionally been disenfranchised have the opportunity to make their interests and concerns known to those who are policy makers. Later, I ran and was elected to the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees, the State Assembly, and now the State Senate.

You are a seasoned education veteran and a champion of legislation to assist community college students' transfer to four-year institutions. In an increasingly complex society, why is college important?

A college education is the key to the American Dream. The reality is that the primary determinant of economic success in the 21st century is the level of one’s educational attainment. College is also the ticket to the middle class for many minority and immigrant communities. The industries that have driven California’s economic prosperity in the past few years are knowledge based. Yet, despite the importance of education, the needs of our students are often pushed aside, and this is most apparent when we find that per capita funding per K-12 student is at the bottom compared to other states.

We also have to prepare our students for the rigors and demands that four-year institutions require. Right now, many universities are raising concerns about the preparedness of our students that are graduating from high school. Therefore, there has to be better coordination between K-12 systems and four-year institutions.

I have authored legislation that would facilitate better coordination of curriculum between our community colleges and four-year institutions, so that when a student transfers to a college from a junior college that they are better prepared. I think that many times our community colleges do not receive the attention that they deserve given that that are the entry points, “the modern Ellis islands,” for many of our immigrants.

How can colleges and universities make a difference in their communities and to the state?

There needs to be more partnerships between the campuses and the community. I would like to see institutions of higher education in my district implement more mentorship and outreach programs to increase the number of student enrollment from minority and disenfranchised communities. We need to create higher education opportunities for these students. By doing so, we empower the community and help to educate Latino doctors and teachers, among others.