Dec 16

Dec 16 Mayor's staff member named a 'rising star' by Hispanic Chamber

Investing in young people, In The News, Welcoming newcomers, Making sure your voice is heard

*Medina gives a short talk on her experience working in the Mayor’s Office. Photo Credit: Tia Gemmell*

Sacramento, CA (Dec. 16. 2022) - Mariela Medina, a long-time member of Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s team at City Hall, received the Latina Estrella Rising Star Award on Dec. 9 for her work on a variety of issue areas.

For the last eight years, the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Latina Estrella Awards to up-and-coming Latina leaders in the Sacramento region. Previous winners include San Juan School Board Trustee Paula Villescaz, Franklin Boulevard Business District Deputy Director Kendra Macias-Reed, and recently elected District 3 Councilmember Karina Talamantes.

Medina has worked for Mayor Steinberg since 2016, the entire length of his mayorship. The chamber noted her work on a variety of issues:

The repeal of the cruising ban in Sacramento
Fighting for funding the FUEL Network, which provides no-cost legal services for immigrants;
Supporting efforts to activate Cesar Chavez Plaza, working with the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento on various community events; and
Working on behalf of Front Street Animal Shelter in a variety of ways, including creating the City Hall Pet of the Month program. Medina was recently appointed as the youngest board member for the Friends of Front Street.

“What makes her (Medina) so special is that she connects with the community and embraces the community in quiet, confident ways,” said Mayor Steinberg. “I know that whatever Mariela does, it will be in service to the Latina community and the larger community.”

*Medina, center, with other Mayor’s office staff and Mayor Darrell Steinberg at donation drive for WEAVE, Inc.*

Mayor Steinberg and Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra had both nominated Medina for the award this year. The final selection is made by a panel of community and Hispanic Chamber members.

“I was very honored and surprised,” said Medina, a Deputy Director of Community Engagement. “I usually work behind the scenes, and being recognized for my work was both humbling and encouraging. I know my work is making an impact in our community.”

Apart from the Rising Star, The Latina Estrella Awards include a Champion Estrella, Inspiration Estrella, and a Legacy Estrella. This year’s Inspiration award went to Jenny Rodriquez from SMUD. Woodland Mayor Mayra Vega earned the Champion award and the Legacy award went to Angelica Balderas, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Entravision.