Education
[{"year": 1975, "field": "Political Science", "degree": "B.A.", "location": "Washington, D.C.", "institution": "Mount Vernon College (now George Washington University)"}, {"year": 1979, "field": "Business Administration", "degree": "M.B.A.", "location": "Washington, D.C.", "institution": "American University"}, {"year": 1970, "field": null, "degree": "High School Diploma", "location": "Waynesboro, Virginia", "institution": "Fairfax Hall"}]
Career History
State Assemblywoman
California State Assembly, 41st District
2006 - 2012
Chaired the Assembly Education Committee and served on the Higher Education Committee, Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, and the State Allocation Board. Played key role in implementing AB 32, California's Global Warming Solutions Act.
School Board Member and President
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education
1994 - 2006
Served 12 years on the school board, including three terms as board president.
Marketing Executive
Private Sector
Held several marketing positions with private businesses before entering public service.
Committee Assignments
Member
Member
Member
Key Policy Positions
Authored the Deborah Sampson Act, the most comprehensive women veterans legislation in a decade, signed into law in January 2021. Championed the PACT Act to expand healthcare for toxic-exposed veterans. Founded the Women Veterans Task Force.
Served on the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, contributing to the 2020 comprehensive action plan for a clean energy economy. In the California Assembly, helped implement AB 32, the state's landmark Global Warming Solutions Act.
Supports universal background checks, reinstating the assault weapons ban, banning high-capacity magazines and bump stocks. Introduced legislation to address gun suicides among veterans.
Secured over $19.7 million for Ventura County and the Conejo Valley in FY26 funding. Serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with focus on aviation, highways, and water resources.
Brought 12 years of school board experience to Congress. Chaired the California Assembly Education Committee before entering federal office.
Contact & Resources
California(California)
District
California-26