A Climate Change with Matt Matern Climate Podcast

Cindy Montañez (1974–2023) was a trailblazing public servant, environmental advocate, and community leader whose career was dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability, social equity, and public service. A lifelong resident of California’s San Fernando Valley and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she emerged as a passionate advocate for education and civic engagement while attending UCLA, where she helped lead a successful student movement that established the university’s Chicano Studies program.

Montañez made history as a member of the California State Assembly, becoming the youngest person, first Latina, and first Democratic woman to chair the powerful Assembly Rules Committee. During her legislative career, she championed policies focused on environmental protection, consumer rights, worker safety, education, and public health, including authoring California’s landmark Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights.

Following her time in elected office, Cindy continued her public service through leadership roles with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and other public agencies. In 2016, she became CEO of TreePeople, where she led efforts to expand urban forestry, environmental education, climate resilience, and community-based sustainability initiatives across Southern California.

Widely respected for her vision and leadership, Cindy left a lasting legacy in environmental advocacy, public policy, and community empowerment. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the establishment of Cindy Montañez Day in California and the renaming of public spaces and schools in her honor.