18 May Former Pinole Mayor Named Latina Advocate of the Year for Assembly District 15

María Alegría, left, stands with Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias, who nominated her as one of the 2025 Latina Advocates of the Year, at Latina Action Day in Sacramento on May 6. (Photo courtesy of Asm. Anamarie Avila Farias’ Office)

CC Pulse Staff Report

María Alegría — a former mayor of Pinole and lifelong advocate for social justice and Latino political empowerment — was honored as the 2025 Latina Advocate of the Year for California’s 15th Assembly District, which covers a large portion of Contra Costa County, including Antioch, Pittsburg, Concord and Martinez.

Alegría’s selection was announced May 6 during the Latina Action Day Elected Official Reception in Sacramento, an event hosted in partnership with Hispanas Organized for Political Equality and the California Latino Legislative Caucus. She was nominated by Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias and honored along with 10 other Latina advocates.

Alegría has more than 25 years of experience in government and public policy and more than 30 years championing human rights, according to a May 12 press release from Avila Farias’ office. She was a founding member of the Latino Caucus of the League of California Cities and served four terms on the Pinole City Council, including her time as mayor.

“María’s impact on our region and the state has been profound,” said Avila Farias in the release. “From breaking barriers in local government to mentoring the next generation of Latino leaders, she embodies what it means to serve with heart and purpose. It is an honor to recognize her lifelong dedication to our communities.”

She was executive director of Contra Costa Faith Works!, advancing public policy solutions grounded in social, economic and environmental justice. She also served as chair of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County and currently represents more than 150,000 Democrats as an elected delegate in Supervisorial District 1, which covers Crockett, Rodeo, Hercules, Pinole, San Pablo, Richmond, El Cerrito and the unincorporated communities of West County, according to Alegría’s LinkedIn profile.

She is also credited with playing a pivotal role in the historic campaigns of Tony Thurmond — California’s first Afro-Latino state superintendent of public instruction — and Avila Farias herself — the first Latina elected to the state Legislature from Contra Costa County.

“Her legacy is not just in what she’s done — it’s in the doors she’s opened for others,” said Avila Farias. “This honor is one small way to say thank you for a lifetime of advocacy and leadership.”