Laura Garcia
Chief of Staff
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Born and raised in Southeast Fresno, Laura Garcia is a proud graduate of Fresno State. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and a double minor in Sociology and Philanthropic and Community Based Leadership. Laura began to work with the City of Fresno in early 2019 as a council assistant overseeing the district’s community outreach, events, communications, and special projects. She earned recognition as Employee of the Quarter in the City of Fresno in 2020. Laura currently serves as a board member to the Calwa Rec and Park District and serves as Fresno’s youngest Chief of Staff to Councilmember Tyler Maxwell
Carmen Iñiguez
District Director
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Carmen Iniguez comes from the CA State Senate. She immigrated from Mexico with her parents and sister at the age of five, growing up in Los Angeles until her parents bought a home in Fresno. In her professional career, Carmen quickly learned the importance of hard work. As a Tax Professional, Insurance Broker, and Notary Public she dedicated herself to serving others in the Central Valley. As a senate employee, Carmen went above and beyond in helping constituents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carmen is also a full-time single parent of 3 wonderful children.
Kia Kelly Vang
Deputy District Director
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Kia Vang was born and raised in Fresno, CA and is the proud daughter of Hmong refugees. She earned her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Media, Communications, and Journalism from Fresno State. During her studies, Kia served as President of the Alpha Kappa Psi, Gamma Lambda chapter and was a Maddy Legislative Intern Scholar with offices of the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Senate.
After graduation, Kia began her career in the California State Senate where she served the Central Valley for two years. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.”
Isabel Salazar
Deputy District Director
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Isabel Salazar was born and raised in Fresno, CA. She graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Literature and a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies. There, she was involved in working at the campus food pantry and as an undergraduate researcher for the Human Rights Investigations Lab. Returning to Fresno after graduation, Isabel began her career as a Council Aide for Councilmember Tyler Maxwell. In her spare time, Isabel volunteers weekly as a literacy mentor for Every Neighborhood Partnership and values being a caring member of her community.
Carmen Flores
Media Director
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Carmen Flores was born and raised in Fresno, CA and is a proud Central Valley native. She earned her B.A. in Communications and minored in Mass Communications and Journalism with an option in Public Relations from California State University, Fresno. During her time at Fresno State University, she was involved in student involvement organizations like the University Student Union Board of Directors as Chair of the Public Relations Committee and Vintage Days as the Assistant Student Director. In her spare time, Carmen enjoys reading fiction novels, spending time with her friends and family, and traveling to the beach.
Shawn Clark
Policy Director
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Shawn Clark, born and raised in Fresno, CA, is a proud graduate of Fresno State, where he earned a BA in Political Science and a Graduate Business minor. Through his involvement with the Maddy Institute, Shawn had the opportunity to work in both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate. He furthered his education at California State University, Dominguez Hills, earning a Master of Public Administration Degree with a concentration in Public Management. Before joining Councilmember Maxwell’s staff, he served as an educator at San Joaquin Memorial High School. In his free time, Shawn and his fiancée devote their efforts to fostering dogs, providing much-needed care and love for animals in need.