Speaker Robert Rivas Honors MariaElena De La Garza as 2026 Assembly District 29 Woman of the Year

• Nick Miller
• Communications Director
• 916-319-2029
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO - On Monday, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas honored MariaElena De La Garza, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, as the 2026 Assembly District 29 Woman of the Year in recognition of her decades of leadership and commitment to uplifting families and communities across the Central Coast.

Born and raised in Watsonville, De La Garza has spent more than 35 years working to expand opportunity for underserved communities. As CEO of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, she leads programs that connect residents to employment opportunities, housing, food programs, and youth, senior and immigration services.

"MariaElena De La Garza represents the very best of our Central Coast community. For decades, she has been a tireless advocate for working families and those facing hardship. Her leadership has strengthened the Pajaro Valley and Santa Cruz County, and her compassion, vision, and commitment to equity have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas.

"It is a profound honor to be recognized as Speaker Rivas' District 29 Woman of the Year. I stand on the shoulders of fierce and compassionate women-mothers, sisters, aunties, CEOs, advocates, students, partners, CABistas and community leaders-who remind me every day that when grace meets grit, transformation becomes possible. Mil gracias for this incredible honor. Que vivan las mujeres!" MariaElena De La Garza said.

Under De La Garza's leadership, the Community Action Board has expanded its services and deepened its impact throughout Santa Cruz County, helping the community access resources, achieve economic stability, and build stronger futures. She also played a critical role in supporting the region through times of crisis, including local emergency response efforts during the pandemic and the devastating Pajaro floods.

De La Garza has spent her career shining light on the experiences of immigrant families, Latino communities, and individuals navigating poverty. Her work centers on the belief that community-driven solutions are essential to creating meaningful and lasting change.

The California State Assembly recognizes outstanding women in each district during the annual Woman of the Year celebration as part of Women's History Month and honors leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities each year in a ceremony on the Assembly Floor.