New York State Assemblymember representing the 39th district in Corona, Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights, Queens. Born in Medellin, Colombia, she came to the U.S. at age nine on a tourist visa. First former DREAMer elected to the NY State Assembly and only the third DREAMer to hold elected office in the U.S.
CC
Serving
About
Family & Heritage
Born in Medellin, Colombia. At age nine in 1992, Catalina and her mother came to the United States on a six-month tourist visa and remained, living undocumented for over a decade. Her mother, a single mother of four, worked multiple jobs — as a nanny during the week, cleaning offices at night, and selling tamales and empanadas at soccer fields on weekends — to support her family.
Political Career
Before Politics
Attorney. Volunteer Assistant Attorney General under Andrew Cuomo focusing on immigration fraud. Director of the Governor's Exploited Workers Task Force. Chief of Staff to NYC Council Finance Chair Julissa Ferreras.
Education
BA in Forensic Psychology (honors), John Jay College of Criminal Justice; JD, CUNY School of Law
Key Issues & Priorities
Immigration rights and legal representation
Tenant protections and affordable housing
Workers' rights and anti-exploitation
Food insecurity
Healthcare access and affordability