Caroline Menjivar is a Democratic member of the California State Senate representing District 20, which covers Burbank and the San Fernando Valley. Born in 1988 or 1989 to Salvadoran immigrant parents, she is a first-generation American, United States Marine Corps veteran , and the first LGBTQ+ legislator to represent the San Fernando Valley. Notable achievements include her election in 2022 with 58.46% of the vote, advocacy for veterans' affairs, health care access , and leadership roles such as Chair of the Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a BA in Sociology from California State University, Northridge in 2015; Master of Social Work in community organization and advocacy from UCLA in 2018.
• Military Service: Served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a radio operator and Communications Platoon Sergeant, stationed in Miramar, La Jolla; experienced impacts of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
• Professional Experience: Worked as an emergency medical technician on graveyard shifts, domestic violence therapist, director at non-profit Meet Each Need with Dignity providing food and services to those in poverty; held roles in Los Angeles Mayor's office including Gender Equity Fellow, City Field Deputy, and East Valley Representative.
• Political Career: Sworn into the State Senate on December 5, 2022; serves on committees focused on health, human services, and veterans affairs; initiated 22 bills in her first session .