Anika Bjork. Photo by Sydney Laird, Capitol WeeklyAlthough Annika Bjork’s professional entry into the California Capitol community began just last year, it is a role our newest Rising Star has been preparing for their entire life.
Jose Barerra. Photo by Joha Harrison.Despite being just 30 years old, Jose Barrera sits atop the leadership ranks in LULAC, or the League of United Latin American Citizens, as the Chairmen of the California LULAC Foundation and National Vice President for the Far West Region. He is currently the youngest person and first DACA recipient to have held three leadership roles in LULAC.
Mauricio Torres. Photo by Ellie Appleby for Capitol Weekly. Whether he’s deciphering complex policy language or hiking renowned trails like the Inca Trail or the W Trek in Patagonia, Mauricio Torres Jr. approaches it all with confidence, curiosity and a deep connection to the communities he serves.
Lea Park-Kim, photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyMost mornings, before the sun can make its appearance, you’ll find Lea Park-Kim out on the water in West Sacramento rowing or coaching with the River City Rowing Club. It’s a practice that reflects her discipline and motivation to continually evolve. That same energy has propelled her to success as the communications director for Sen. Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks).
Rida Shaikh. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyAt just 24, Rida Shaikh has already found her footing in Sacramento, overseeing operations of the Senate Elections Committee. But her path to the Capitol wasn’t straightforward – it was a journey of persistence and defiance of expectations.
Seve Christian. Photo by Joha Harrison, Capitol WeeklyIf you follow California legislation around artificial intelligence, LGBTQ rights, or public health, chances are you’re familiar with the work of Seve Christian, Legislative Director to Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). At just 29 years old, Christian has already left an enduring mark on California policy.
Katie Van Deynze. Image by Joha Harrison, Capitol Weekly. When Katie Van Deynze talks about healthcare policy, people listen. At 29 years old, she serves as Senior Legislative Advocate at Health Access California, where she has established herself as a trusted voice in the Capitol community.
Hannah Orbach-Mandel, photo by Joah Harrison, Capitol Weekly. Not every policy expert successfully identifies a gap within legislation and pioneers their way through our bureaucracy to solve it. 27-year-old Hannah-Orbach Mandel, policy analyst at the California Budget and Policy Center, has done just that.
Dana Cruz. Photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyAt 32 years old, Capitol Weekly Rising Star Dana Cruz has already served in the military, passed the California Bar Exam, and worked in all three branches of California State Government.
Derek Kirk, photo by Capitol WeeklyDerek Kirk’s greatest strength, according to the Gallup Strengthsfinder test, is WOO, or “winning over others.” In Kirk’s short but impressive career, this judgment rings true.