Assemblywoman Aguiar-Curry shared her journey into politics, emphasizing her role as a "people’s servant" rather than a politician. Her path began in Winters, California, where she joined a local planning committee and, despite initial self-doubt, realized she knew more than she thought.
Encouraged by her community and her partner, Larry, she ran for office against four men and won, becoming Winters’ first woman mayor—though she admits she entered the role with much to learn. Currently, she focuses on key issues like criminal justice reform and combating violence against women, drawing from her own experiences with abuse and its lasting impacts, including brain damage.
One of her most cherished experiences includes a fieldwork navigation to prisons in Ireland and Scotland. Deeply impacted by the situations of women she witnessed there, she leads a diverse working group of 10-20 people, including men, to address these challenges. Reflecting on her experience as a woman in politics, she highlighted the influence of female mentors, like fellow California Assembly members, noting that while women can be "harsh" due to systemic frustrations, they often have "the biggest hearts in the room."
For young aspiring leaders, especially young women, her advice was clear: get involved early through volunteering or organizations like MLK groups, prioritize storytelling over numbers, be honest and confident, and never underestimate the power of sharing your own story. Her insights underscored the importance of authenticity, resilience, and community-driven leadership in politics.
Interview by Jennifer / Edited by Amy Zhao