Today marks the beginning of a year-long vision coming to life. Proud to celebrate the grand opening of the East Los Angeles College Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center—a space designed to expand opportunity, uplift small businesses, and serve as a hub for innovation across our communities.

I was proud to secure $2.5 million in state funding to bring this vision to life—an investment in access, ownership, and economic mobility.

As a proud Husky, my sister Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio and I are both products of ELAC. My journey—from being deported at the age of five, to becoming a teacher, and now serving in the State Senate—is a reminder that when we invest in people, we change what’s possible. This center is about opening those same doors for the next generation.

Thank you to ELAC President Dr. Monte Perez, Executive Director Dr. Reyna Trujillo, Dr. Armond Aghakhanian of the ELAC Foundation, and all the partners, leadership, and community members who made this vision a reality.