Anna Caballero

Provided Biography

For over two decades, California Labor Leader Liz Ortega-Toro has led the fight for vibrant, healthy, and diverse communities by working to create job opportunities and provide healthcare for the most vulnerable.

As Statewide Political Director for AFSCME Local 3299, the University of California’s largest employee union, Liz secured the passage of state legislation to maintain and protect essential service jobs at every UC campus. The first Latina in history to be elected Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council, Liz has been an East Bay leader in the fight for an equitable minimum wage to support working families as housing and cost of living has skyrocketed in our region.

Liz serves on the Alameda County Vaccine Equity Task Force where she fought to secure paid sick leave and hazard pay for essential public safety, health providers, and frontline workers.

As a member of the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board, Liz was instrumental in helping job seekers develop valuable workplace skills and find employment within the region we all love.

When Liz was three, her undocumented mother traveled hundreds of miles to California with Liz and her infant brother to seek the American dream. Says Liz, “My family has struggled to achieve our American dream through hard work, community support and a belief that we could have a better life. Unfortunately, for many in our communities, that American dream is getting further and further out of reach. I’m running for Assembly to level the playing field so every family has a chance of achieving that dream.”

Liz, husband Jason (a former School Board Member) and daughter Yamara live in San Leandro, where Yamara attends local public schools.

LEADERSHIP RECORD:

 Recognized for her work by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and honored by Rob Bonta as a California Social Justice champion

 Former Statewide Political Director for AFSCME Local 3299

First Latina elected Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Alameda County Central Labor Council

 Member, Alameda County Vaccine Equity Task Force

Past Member, Alameda County Workforce DevelopmentBoard

 Member, Oakland Blue Ribbon Equitable BusinessTax Task Force

 Led multiple coalitions and actions to increase the minimum wage and secure sick leave/hazard pay for essential workers