A True Trailblazer On Our Side Assemblywoman Suzette Valladares

Mom, non-profit leader and new Assemblywoman to the 38th District, Suzette Valladares embodies a fighting spirit to get things done and enact change for the betterment of the community.
Valladares began her career working in early childhood education advocacy and went on to become the Executive Director of Southern California Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to creating awareness and outreach for individuals with autism and their families. It was not until 2018 after losing her mother to cancer, that she took over her mother’s role as Chief Executive Officer of Little Steps of Faith, a faith-based non-profit preschool that provides quality childcare to underserved families in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.
“I was thrilled to carry on my mother’s legacy,” commented Valladares. “Being a strong voice for others is definitely something my mom instilled in me.”
Now, with a daughter of her own, Valladares continues that philosophy to help make Santa Clarita Valley a better place to live and raise a family.
Despite 2020 being a difficult year, the Assemblywoman remains inspired. “Seeing that nurse in New York being given the first COVID vaccine showed me we can achieve anything,” Valladares said.
Like Valladares, most of us are ready to say goodbye to the pandemic and see businesses open and flourish. “For the New Year I am 100-percent dedicated to presenting solutions and being available to the community,” commented Valladares.
On day one after being sworn in as Assemblywoman, Valladares introduced two bills: AB 90 and AB 91. The first, AB 90, protects the identity of foster youth by expanding a credit freeze from 16 years of age to 18.
“I learned that foster youth are 38 percent more likely to have their identity stolen than the average youth,” Valladares said. “I knew I had to do something to help.”
Her second bill, AB 91, will help small and micro size businesses by reducing the franchise tax to $200 and $400.
“These are difficult times for all of us,” Valladares said. “I’m going to work hard and do everything I can to help make 2021 a better year for everyone.”