Kenia Miranda Verdugo is a Senior Policy Associate at End Child Poverty California (ECPCA), where she leads the organization’s cradle-to-career policy portfolio and work alongside advocates, community leaders, and policymakers to advance policies that improve outcomes for California’s children and families.
As an immigrant from Mexico who was raised by a single mother, Kenia’s commitment to equity and opportunity is deeply personal. Her experiences have shaped a career dedicated to expanding access to education, economic mobility, and pathways to success for communities that have historically been underserved.
Prior to joining ECPCA, Kenia served as Smart Justice Program Manager at the Michelson 20MM Foundation, where she led statewide initiatives focused on expanding educational and economic opportunities for system-impacted Californians.
Kenia previously served as Legislative Director in the California State Senate, where she worked closely with advocates, constituents, and stakeholders to develop and advance legislation focused on education, workforce development, and public safety. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a belief that lasting change happens when policy is informed by the voices and experiences of the people most affected by it.
Kenia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego and is passionate about building a California where every child, regardless of their background, family income, or zip code, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.