Meet Quirina

They say your experiences early in life can shape your entire future.

As early as I can remember, my teenage Filipina mom worked two jobs to make ends meet. My Mexican immigrant father labored to realize the American Dream which was always seemingly just a bit out of grasp. Life was a struggle, but those moments left an indelible mark. Through them, I learned to turn struggle into power, and I’ve learned the immense value of helping others in need.

I was fortunate to have a high school guidance counselor who saw in me a potential I did not recognize in myself. He motivated me to aim for the stars and apply to UC Berkeley. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare, I knew that I needed to go further. I pursued a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard University and later took my first job at The White House, where I worked to improve the educational outcomes of underserved children. I returned to California to join then Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante’s staff where our work on statewide initiatives provided much needed support to some of the state’s most vulnerable.  ​

Being a changemaker for children and the underserved in my community has remained my passion throughout my education and my career. After my time in the White House and the Lieutenant Governor’s office, I decided that my best path forward was to return to UC Berkeley, where I earned a law degree.

I now prosecute sexual assault and child abuse in my work at the Sacramento District Attorney’s office. Fighting for justice is deep in my core. The safety and health of our children is the cornerstone of a thriving community. This means ensuring kids have not only opportunity, but the tools to achieve their dreams, just like I did.

Bringing hope during challenging times moved me to run for City Council in 2016. I never “liked” politics, but I knew this was my way of doing my part to move my community forward. I was humbled to be elected the first Filipina/Latina on the West Sacramento City Council.