Carolina “Caro” Mendez is a passionate advocate and dynamic organizer, fiercely dedicated to empowering the rising generation as key defenders of democracy. Proudly hailing from Anaheim, CA, as a first-generation Chicana, she derives her inspiration from progressive values and her strong hometown roots.

Carolina embarked on her advocacy journey during high school, and her commitment only deepened as she assumed leadership roles in college. There, she rallied fellow students for campus initiatives, elevating their voices as the Founder and President of College Progressives and as Vice President of the College Democrats at Cal State Fullerton. She also served as the inaugural Orange County Regional Director on the board of the California College Democrats.

Her dedication to advocacy transcends college campuses, encompassing state and local levels where she has tirelessly championed police accountability and campaign finance reform.

Upon receiving her B.A. in Political Science, Carolina began her career journey as the Southern California Digital Organizer for the Working Families Party, where she had the privilege of working closely with many first-time candidates and young people of color running for office, from school boards to the CA State Legislature. She currently holds the position of Digital Organizer at Mijente, a political home for Latinx and Chicanx people seeking racial, economic, gender, and climate justice.

Both in her work and on the ground, Carolina strives to pave the way forward, amplifying the voices and aspirations of her generation to safeguard and strengthen democracy in the United States.