As Director of Operations and Policy Aide, Gema develops, implements and monitors day-to-day operational systems and processes to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of the team's key initiatives. Aside from ensuring efficient and timely day-to-day operations, Gema assists the policy team with legislative support and provides constituent services to bring forth solutions for ongoing problems. Gema is known for her strong leadership, organization and communication skills.
Gema is a first-generation graduate from San Jose State University, who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. Raised by working class parents who taught her to value hard work, honesty, authenticity, and the importance of education, Gema became very passionate about her studies and community involvement. Growing up in Hayward, California, Gema’s curiosity in politics sparked from the high crime rates, unemployment, and poor education she consistently saw. With an expertise in the fields of immigration, homelessness and public safety, Gema has spent 5 years working with underprivileged communities, providing them with the resources and legal help needed to support their cases. She served as a Legal Intern at the Tahirih Justice Center, where she worked with immigrant survivors of gender-based violence.
Gema learned a lot about immigration law through her experience of working as a Legal Assistant at an immigration law firm based in Fremont, California. She has worked with various non-profits across the Bay Area helping children and families who have survived violent and abusive environments attain legal status in the U.S.
Gema hopes to continue working with low-income communities in the future and is devoted to pursuing law school and becoming a practicing Attorney in California, with the goal of coming back to the communities she was raised in and helping them obtain a better form of life.
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