Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo with Guerline Jozef, Founder of the Haitian Bridge Alliance
SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) was honored at the Central American Resources Center’s (CARECEN) 36th Annual Awards Dinner with the Champion of Change Award for her work on immigration issues. This annual recognition highlights community champions who have made great strides in bringing communities and leaders together, as well as raising awareness on the power of local and international solidarity.
“As an immigrant from El Salvador, I am absolutely honored to be recognized by such a prestigious organization such as CARECEN,” said Assemblywoman Carrillo. “This year I had the privilege to work with CARECEN on important legislation to protect our most vulnerable, and I look forward to continuing our work to ensure all immigrant communities in California have access to the American Dream and receive the rights they wholeheartedly deserve.”
“CARECEN is honored to recognize Assemblywoman Carrillo with our Champion of Change Award. Assemblywoman Carrillo represents the type of resilience and leadership it takes to not only stand up to injustice but to also defend our communities unconditionally. Now more than ever, our immigrant community needs more leaders like Assemblywoman Carrillo who meaningfully represent and uplift our voices and work hand in hand with those directly affected by unjust policies," said Martha Arévalo, Executive Director of CARECEN. "We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Assemblywoman Carrillo in defending our immigrant community.”
This year, Assemblywoman Carrillo partnered with CARECEN on Assembly Bill (AB) 1753 to ensure that immigrants and their families receive legal services in high-stakes immigration matters only from individuals who are qualified to provide those services. The necessity for this legislation is heightened as the consequences of a mishandled immigration matter has never been more serious. In June of 2018, federal policy changed in a way that puts immigrants at greater risk of deportation. Unfortunately, AB 1753 was placed on hold for this year and may be revisited next year.
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Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo was elected as the representative of the 51st Assembly District in December of 2017. She is a member of the Health, Appropriations, Utilities & Energy, Labor and Rules Committees. Carrillo represents the people of East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, and the neighborhoods of El Sereno, Echo Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown and parts of Silver Lake.