Alex Padilla is a lifelong Californian. He was born and raised in the proud, working class community of Pacoima, in the San Fernando Valley. Alex’s parents immigrated to Los Angeles from different parts of Mexico in the 1960s. Once in California, they met, fell in love, and applied for green cards.
Alex’s parents had little formal education, but they shared a strong work ethic and big dreams. For forty years, Alex’s father worked as a short order cook in various Los Angeles diners. For the same forty years, his mom worked cleaning houses. They instilled in Alex, his sister, and his brother the importance of getting a good education as well as the value of service to others. As a result, Alex spent many weekends at community clean-ups and other neighborhood service projects.
Alex knows that an investment in a child’s education is an investment in the future of America. He grew up attending Los Angeles public schools, where his teachers encouraged him to dream big. Alex wants all children in California to have access to quality public education so they can pursue their own American dreams. He is proud to advocate for funding to support teachers, school infrastructure, and student wellbeing. As a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Alex is also a strong supporter of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) educational opportunities inside and outside the classroom.