Erica Mosca

Erica Mosca is a member of the Nevada State Assembly, representing District 14 as a member of the Democratic Party. She has been serving in this role since 2022 and is notable for being the first Filipina legislator in the state of Nevada. Mosca's background as a teacher and her involvement in educational initiatives have shaped her legislative priorities and community engagement.

Early life and career

Erica Mosca was born in San Diego, California, and spent her early childhood at a naval base in Mira Mesa. Her family background is marked by her father's service as a naval officer, who immigrated from the Philippines, and her mother, who is from the United States. Growing up, Mosca experienced financial challenges, which often necessitated relocating when her father secured better employment opportunities. This transient lifestyle influenced her upbringing and provided her with a unique perspective on the importance of stability and education.

At the age of 16, Mosca's family moved to Novato, California. She considers this transition a significant turning point in her life, one that set the stage for her future personal and professional endeavors. In 2008, the family relocated to Nevada, where they participated in the U.S. Census as enumerators, going door-to-door to gather information. This experience further connected Mosca to her community and underscored the importance of civic engagement.

Mosca attended Novato High School in Palm Springs, where she began to cultivate her academic interests. She later pursued higher education at Boston University, earning a Bachelor's Degree. Her commitment to education continued as she obtained two graduate degrees: a Master of Education (MEd) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Master of Education Management (EdM) from Harvard University. While at Harvard, she participated in the Education Pioneers Program, which focuses on developing leaders in the education sector. During her time in Boston, she also gained practical experience by working with Teach Plus in 2011 and interning with Jeff Riley, the Commissioner of Education in Massachusetts.

In 2008, Mosca joined Teach for America, where she began her teaching career in Las Vegas at Goldfarb Elementary School. Her experiences in the classroom were diverse and enriching, allowing her to engage with students from various backgrounds. In 2012, she founded a nonprofit organization called Leaders in Training, which provided tutoring services and leadership development sessions for middle and elementary school students. The organization aimed to inspire students to pursue higher education, military service, or vocational training. By 2017, Leaders in Training had expanded significantly, moving from a portable classroom to a dedicated office space on Lamb and Washington. Mosca led the organization until 2022, when she decided to transition into public service by running for office.

Legislative service

Erica Mosca was elected to the Nevada State Assembly in 2022, marking the beginning of her legislative career. Her election was historic, as she became the first Filipina to serve in the Nevada legislature. Mosca represents District 14, which encompasses parts of East Las Vegas. Since taking office, she has been an active member of the Assembly, participating in various committees that align with her background in education and community service.

As a legislator, Mosca has focused on issues related to education and revenue, leveraging her experience as an educator and nonprofit leader to inform her policy decisions. She has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for students in Nevada, particularly those from underserved communities. Her work in the Education Committee has included efforts to gather feedback from youth and engage with community organizations, such as the Asian Community Development Council. This outreach is part of her broader commitment to ensuring that the voices of diverse constituents are heard in the legislative process.

In addition to her work on educational issues, Mosca has also served on the Charter Authority, where she has contributed to discussions about charter school governance and accountability. Her legislative agenda reflects a dedication to fostering an inclusive educational environment and addressing the needs of her constituents.

Policy focus and district

Erica Mosca's policy focus is primarily centered on education, reflecting her professional background and personal experiences. She advocates for policies that support equitable access to quality education for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. Mosca's initiatives aim to enhance educational resources, improve student outcomes, and promote pathways to higher education and vocational training.

In her role as a legislator, Mosca has been involved in the "Portrait of a Learner" initiative, which seeks to gather insights and feedback from young people regarding their educational experiences and aspirations. This initiative is part of her broader commitment to ensuring that the educational system in Nevada meets the diverse needs of its student population. By engaging with youth and community organizations, she aims to create policies that are responsive to the challenges faced by students and families in her district.

Mosca's district, District 14, includes parts of East Las Vegas, an area characterized by its cultural diversity and vibrant communities. As a representative of this district, she is focused on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that her constituents face. Her legislative work is informed by her understanding of the local context and the importance of community engagement in the policymaking process.

Overall, Erica Mosca's journey from a teacher and nonprofit leader to a state legislator exemplifies her commitment to education and public service. Her role as the first Filipina legislator in Nevada highlights the importance of representation in government and the impact that diverse voices can have on shaping policy and community outcomes. As she continues her service in the Nevada Assembly, Mosca remains dedicated to advocating for the needs of her constituents and promoting educational equity in the state.