Pilar Schiavo ’93 State Assemblywoman
Accomplishments:
Pilar has just begun her second two-year term as an Assemblywoman in the State Legislature representing District 40, which covers North Los Angeles County. Her primary areas of interest are the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and its programs. Pilar recently served as Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. She is proud to be the second person and first woman from Tuolumne County to be elected to the State Legislature.
What was your pathway to your current position?
For me it has always been about pushing for real change that makes a difference in people’s lives. I’ve been fortunate to have a career of impactful work for 20 years in the labor movement. I’ve been fighting for good jobs, healthcare, and retirement security for workers like nurses, mental health workers, and electricians like my dad, who still lives in Sonora with my mom. Growing up in Sonora, my family had many years of struggle, especially when I was younger, and I know the stress that puts on families. I wanted to take that stress from parents and kids so families could thrive. Now I get to continue that work through the legislation I can pass in the Assembly and the support I can give to state agencies for our community members. I’m proud to have grown up in Sonora, attended both Columbia Elementary and Sonora High School and gone on to get both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees that also helped me arrive where I am now.
What memories do you have of Sonora High?
High school is hard. I had really amazing experiences and really heartbreaking experiences. They all have taught me important life lessons. I got a great education at Sonora High. I also loved playing volleyball, being on the first women’s soccer team, and taking photos and designing the yearbook. I remember struggling through Spanish with Mr. Sanfillippo. He’d be very happy to know I finally became conversational after living in Guatemala for three months! I also remember Friday night football games and the stress of figuring out college and how to apply for financial aid to cover the cost. High school is a transformative time, and while I wouldn’t want to do it again, I’m grateful for the foundation it provided to take the next steps in my life.
What future goals do you have?
My goals have to do with making a real difference for people. As long as I have an opportunity to do that, I’m going to continue to be fulfilled and inspired by the work I do. I never imagined I would be elected to represent Los Angeles when I was at Sonora High. I was driven by wanting to figure out new ways I could make change and “be in the room where it happens.” I’m on my second of six possible terms, and I’m excited to continue learning and making a difference for my community and all of California.
What advice would you give to current and future Sonora High students?
Find your passion. As long as the work you do is something you’re passionate about, you will be happy, fulfilled, and inspired, even if the work is sometimes difficult. If you think you want to be a veterinarian or lawyer or elected leader, go volunteer and see what the day-to-day is; make sure it’s for you. At one point, I thought I wanted to be an attorney because it looked so exciting on TV and in the movies. But then I learned that it’s a lot of reading and writing, and many attorneys hardly go into a courtroom. I love people! I need to be social in the work I do, and I knew being behind a desk reading law journals would not be something that would make me happy. Before you invest in an education or training, get some frontline experience any way you can to make sure it’s a good fit and something you will love doing.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m a single mom, and I love spending time with my kid. Since I grew up hiking and swimming around Sonora and Pinecrest, I love that we can walk to hiking trails from my home now. Nature is my happy place, something I realized while living in Sonora.
