meet kyla valenti

I am proudly running for delegate to the California Democratic Party as part of the AD21 Dems United for Working Families slate.

In 2019, I moved to the Bay Area just before the COVID-19 pandemic changed life as we knew it. My early years in the region were spent working in behavioral health as a residential social worker, a role I held until early 2023. These years were both challenging and transformative, deepening my perspective on life and reinforcing my commitment to the values of equity and social justice. During this time, I became an active union member, fighting for critical health and safety improvements—including hazard pay, PPE, and paid sick leave—during the earliest days of the pandemic. I also learned the importance of advocating for those who have been left behind—whether workers, clients, or community members—and the power of grassroots organizing to create communities that heal, grow, and thrive.

Since February 2024, I’ve worked for the County of San Mateo as a Benefits Analyst, helping individuals navigate vital government assistance programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh. Prior to this role, I found myself in need of these very same services, experiencing firsthand the challenges and complexities that many residents face. Having been on both sides of the welfare desk, I fully understand the critical importance of accessible and effective public services in supporting the well-being of our communities.

I am also a proud member of AFSCME Local 829, where I’ve been actively involved since 2019. Over the years, I’ve served as a shop steward, a member of the bargaining team, and a delegate to AFSCME Council 57. As the first member of my family to join a union, I’ve seen up close the transformative power of the labor movement in strengthening communities and advocating for workers’ rights, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting working families across our state.

It would be a true honor to represent District 21 as a delegate to the California Democratic Party. Together, we can continue to build a future that prioritizes justice, equity, and opportunity for all.

Thank you for your support!