Dozens of young people gathered outside the State Capitol, some shared scenes of family or partner domestic violence, where some legislators showed their support to promote laws in favor of victims and survivors.
They spent their childhood on both sides of the Mexican border, on both sides of U.S. immigration laws. Dad was a factory worker, mom a housekeeper. The family spoke little English. They overcame discrimination, poverty and violence to become legislators.
In high school, in the 1980s, when Blanca and Susan Rubio expressed interest in college, a high school counselor suggested they look instead at home-economics classes to get ready for marriage and children.
Susan and Blanca Rubio go every day to work at the Capitol of Sacramento and are part of the group of women who managed to make a space in the historic midterm elections of 2018 in the US.
Communications expert Dr. Lillian Glass talks about the gender bias facing women today, including high-profile female politicians, plus how the Rubio sisters hope their journey to Sacramento will inspire women and girls.
Meet Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio and State Senator Susan Rubio – the first sisters to serve in the California legislature. Follow their incredible journey from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, overcoming poverty and deportation to win positions of influence in state government.
You are cordially invited to join State officials and the Community-at-large for a reception and swearing-in ceremony to celebrate my election as State Senator, representing California’s 22nd District.