Sac State MPPA Alum, restorative justice expert, Nicole Cuellar joins Mayor Steinberg's team
Nicole Cuellar joined Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s team in September as a Senior Policy Advisor whose portfolio includes sustainability, infrastructure, cannabis, and workforce development. She is already making positive inroads on the Thousand Strong internship program, cannabis policy and continuing the office’s urgent work on achieving carbon neutrality in Sacramento.
“Nicole is bringing her community and direct service experience to our office in a role that absolutely needs to understand the high level policy and the boots-on-the-ground nuance of how those policies work,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “We are thrilled to have her as part of our team and I look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on Sacramento.”
A recent graduate with distinction from Sacramento State’s Masters in Public Policy & Administration Program, Cuellar has previously worked in direct service, restorative justice, and program management. Most recently she had worked with PRO Youth & Families to lead the implementation of a workforce program focused on helping formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter the workforce. Her previous work also includes partnering with law enforcement and schools on facilitating restorative justice systems and diversion programming.
Nicole earned an undergraduate degree in Society & Environment from University of California, Berkeley.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve Sacramento as a part of Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s administration,” said Cuellar. “This is a pivotal moment in time – there is a clear need for responsive and effective policies that will carry Sacramento’s momentum into a strong and equitable future. It is with great enthusiasm and commitment that I join the Mayor’s efforts to reach carbon neutrality while bolstering Sacramento’s workforce to thrive in an evolving economy.”
