Lola Smallwood-Cuevas

Lola Smallwood-Cuevas is an American politician currently serving as a member of the California State Senate, representing the 28th Senate District. A member of the Democratic Party, she has held this position since 2022, succeeding Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who transitioned to serve in the U.S. Congress. Smallwood-Cuevas has a background in labor organizing, civil rights activism, and community advocacy, which has shaped her political career and policy focus.

Early life and career

Lola Smallwood-Cuevas was raised in a single-parent household, with her mother working as a registered nurse and homecare worker. This upbringing instilled in her a strong understanding of the challenges faced by working-class families and the importance of community support. Her early experiences likely influenced her later commitment to labor rights and social justice.

Over the course of more than two decades, Smallwood-Cuevas has built a career as a labor organizer, civil rights advocate, and community leader. Before her election to the California State Senate, she was affiliated with the UCLA Labor Center from 2004 to 2022, where she served as project director for 15 years. During her tenure at the UCLA Labor Center, she focused on issues related to labor rights, particularly for marginalized communities.

One of her notable achievements was the founding of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center at UCLA. This initiative aimed to connect working-class Black residents of Los Angeles with employment opportunities and resources for unionization. The center has played a significant role in advocating for the rights of Black workers and has been instrumental in providing training programs that facilitate entry into the construction industry. By 2015, the center had successfully advocated for local hiring practices, resulting in Black residents constituting 20% of the workforce for the Metro Crenshaw K Line project. This accomplishment garnered national attention, and in October 2015, the organization was recognized by then-President Barack Obama for its impactful work.

In addition to her work with the Black Worker Center, Smallwood-Cuevas also founded the Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity at Work. This center focuses on promoting racial equity within the labor market, addressing systemic barriers that affect workers of color. Her advocacy has consistently highlighted the need for equitable employment practices and the importance of community engagement in labor issues.

In July 2020, Smallwood-Cuevas publicly opposed the Los Angeles Mayor's proposal to expand policing in communities of color, as well as the City Council's decision to resume the clearing of homeless encampments. She described these actions as regressive and indicative of a broader failure to address the needs of the Black community, which, despite making up only 7% of the city's population, represented a disproportionate 40% of the homeless population. Her stance on these issues reflects her commitment to social justice and her advocacy for vulnerable communities.

Legislative service

Lola Smallwood-Cuevas was elected to the California State Senate in 2022, marking a significant milestone in her political career. Her election came after the departure of Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who had been elected to represent California's 37th congressional district. Smallwood-Cuevas's campaign was endorsed by various organizations, including the Los Angeles Times, which recognized her commitment to the community and her background in labor and civil rights advocacy.

As a member of the California State Senate, Smallwood-Cuevas has taken on the responsibility of representing the interests of her constituents in the 28th Senate District. This district encompasses parts of Los Angeles, an area characterized by its diverse population and a range of socio-economic challenges. Her legislative work is informed by her extensive experience in community organizing and her understanding of the needs of working-class families.

In the Senate, Smallwood-Cuevas has the opportunity to influence policy decisions that affect a wide array of issues, including labor rights, housing, education, and public safety. Her background as a labor organizer positions her to advocate for policies that support workers and promote equitable economic opportunities. She is likely to continue addressing issues related to racial equity, social justice, and community empowerment, drawing from her previous experiences in activism and organizing.

Policy focus and district

Lola Smallwood-Cuevas's policy focus is deeply rooted in her commitment to labor rights, social justice, and community advocacy. Given her background as a labor organizer, she is expected to prioritize legislation that supports workers' rights, fair wages, and equitable employment practices. Her work with the Los Angeles Black Worker Center and the Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity at Work underscores her dedication to addressing systemic inequalities in the labor market.

In her role as a state senator, Smallwood-Cuevas is responsible for representing the 28th Senate District, which includes a diverse population with varying needs and challenges. The district is situated in Los Angeles, a city known for its cultural diversity but also for its socio-economic disparities. Smallwood-Cuevas's legislative agenda is likely to reflect the interests of her constituents, focusing on issues such as affordable housing, education access, healthcare, and public safety.

Her advocacy for marginalized communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by economic and social injustices, will likely continue to shape her policy initiatives. Smallwood-Cuevas's approach to governance emphasizes community engagement and collaboration, aiming to empower residents and ensure their voices are heard in the legislative process.

As she continues her service in the California State Senate, Smallwood-Cuevas's background in labor organizing and civil rights activism positions her as a significant advocate for the needs of her constituents and a proponent of policies that promote equity and justice within the state. Her ongoing commitment to these issues will be instrumental in shaping the legislative landscape in California.