Sacramento, CA — Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias proudly announces the selection of María Alegría as the 2025 Latina Advocate of the Year for California’s 15th Assembly District. Alegría was honored during the Latina Action Day Elected Official Reception in Sacramento, an event hosted in partnership with Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and the California Latino Legislative Caucus.
María Alegría is a lifelong advocate for social justice and Latino political empowerment. With over 25 years of experience in government and public policy—and more than 30 years championing human rights—Alegría has led with integrity, vision, and deep community roots. She was one of the founding members of the Latino Caucus of the League of California Cities and served four terms on the Pinole City Council, including as Mayor.
“María’s impact on our region and the state has been profound,” said Assemblymember Avila Farias. “From breaking barriers in local government to mentoring the next generation of Latino leaders, she embodies what it means to serve with heart and purpose. It is an honor to recognize her lifelong dedication to our communities.”
Alegría’s leadership extends beyond elected office. She served as Executive Director of Contra Costa Faith Works!, advancing public policy solutions grounded in social, economic, and environmental justice. She also served as Chair of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County and currently represents over 150,000 Democrats as an elected delegate in Supervisorial District 1.
As a political advisor, she played a pivotal role in the historic campaigns of California’s first Afro-Latino State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, and Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias herself—the first Latina elected to the State Legislature from Contra Costa County.
“Her legacy is not just in what she’s done—it’s in the doors she’s opened for others,” said Avila Farias. “This honor is one small way to say thank you for a lifetime of advocacy and leadership.”
