Michael Dyar, photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyMichael Dyar, 28 is legislative director for Assemblymember Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael, where his duties include crafting legislative packages, overseeing co-author requests and training new staff.
Maya Polon, photo courtesy of Scott Duncan photography Maya Polon stays focused on making sure the public realizes how the legislation she champions affects real people. “What I really love getting to do is finding someone with an inspiring story and connecting a reporter to them.”
Chloe Bowman, photo by Scott Duncan PhotographyIn this highly polarized world, a young Republican legislative director believes it is still possible to rise above political differences.
Kimberly Sanchez photo by Scott DuncanThough Kimberly Yareni Sanchez grew up amid poverty and gang violence, she managed to graduate from college at age 19. Now just 21, she is an education policy analyst at NextGen, a nonprofit advocating for progressive policy.
Mae Gates. Photo, Scott Duncan, Capitol Weekly Only 24 years old, Mae Gates is already chief of staff for a state senator, owner of a political consulting business and a passionate advocate for food justice.
Jorge Reyes Salinas, photo by Scott Duncan PhotographyJorge Reyes Salinas is communications director for Equality California, an LGBTQ advocacy group, and a fearless advocate for undocumented residents and the LGBTQ+ community.
Nikki Ellis, photo by Scott Duncan PhotographyFrom her early interest in Latin America to her work on a recent trade mission to Japan, Nikki Ellis has long had a global outlook on life.
Mario Vasquez Zuniga. Photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyMario Vasquez Zuniga is a digital strategist, co-owner of a flower shop and a passionate LGBTQ+ advocate. The 28-year-old, who immigrated from El Salvador as a young child and grew up in the Palmdale-Lancaster area, loves coming up with creative solutions to problems. “I definitely have an entrepreneur spirit,” he said.
Shubhangi Domokos. Photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyIn just a few years out of college, Shubhangi Domokos became a chief of staff for first, a state assemblymember and then one of the largest labor federations in the country.