Alicia Benavidez

Alicia brings deep policy experience from both inside the California Legislature and as an advocate.

Prior to joining ACLU Cal Action, she led her own lobbying firm, representing mission-led organizations. Her work spans across issues areas including immigration, employment and workforce policy, criminal justice reform, consumer protection, education, and health.

She has served as a Chief of Staff in the Assembly and Deputy Legislative Director in the Senate. Among her most notable achievements, Alicia helped pass the landmark Fair Sentencing for Youth Act ending life without parole for juveniles, advanced major reforms to the child support system, expanded educational opportunities for young parents, and served as a key strategist in the successful campaign to end predatory lending in California.

In addition to her public policy work, Alicia a proud co-founder of We Said Enough, a nonprofit committed to confronting the pervasive culture of harassment and sexual violence. The organization penned the first open #MeToo letter in politics and has since worked nationally to move legislation and champion reform.

Alicia earned her BA in Political Science from California State University, Stanislaus where she was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar.

Although born and raised in the Central Valley, Alicia has fully embraced life as a Sacramentan. She’s an active member of the community, loves soccer (go Sac Republic!) and is an avid quilter.