Meet Luz
Luz’s parents immigrated from Mexico. She grew up in Pacoima with a single mother that worked multiple jobs to support her daughters. Initially, the family rented a room in a house, and later lived in a converted garage and back houses throughout the Valley. Her mother took night classes to learn English and office skills.
Luz attended Los Angeles public schools.
Her fifth grade teacher at Telfair Elementary School in Pacoima encouraged her to learn about computers. This is where Luz first became interested in a STEM career.
At Pacoima Junior High, she continued taking computer science classes.
Luz attended San Fernando High School where she graduated with honors. At SFHS, she continued pursuing STEM classes and participated in drill team, leadership, and other extra curricular activities while also working two jobs to help her mom pay for rent and food.
After high school, Luz attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. After college she worked as an electrical engineer for Motorola. Her passion to get kids interested in engineering led her to pursue a Master of Education degree from Harvard University.
As the founder of DIY (Do it Yourself) Girls, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping girls in the San Fernando Valley become interested in science and engineering, Luz has helped set thousands of young women on the path towards economic empowerment, independence, and self-confidence. Many of those girls are now graduating from college, ready and able to embark on careers that will benefit their families and communities.
During Luz’s time in the Assembly, her priority has been to uplift and empower underrepresented communities. She has been successful as a leader in delivering substantive policy and has been recognized for her leadership by labor unions, business organizations and community organizations. Luz has advocated for environmental justice through her role as the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources. Luz was elected by her peers to serve as Chair of the Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation.
California’s 29th District is home to over 750,000 people in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. The district includes the City of San Fernando and the City of Los Angeles communities of Arleta, Lake Balboa, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Panorama City, Reseda, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Valley Village, and Van Nuys.