Claire Saldana is a first year graduate student at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, pursuing a Masters in Public Policy. Her academic pursuits center on enhancing public education systems and supporting immigrant populations through policy. Claire is deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities for disadvantaged populations by fostering transparent and collaborative relationships between the government and its constituents.

Claire received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International and Global Studies, with a concentration in Peace Studies. During her undergraduate career, she served in the 87th Texas legislature under former Representative Victoria Neave-Criado, later serving as Assistant Committee Clerk for the County Affairs Committee chaired by the representative. Additionally, she volunteered with Ron Nirenberg’s mayoral campaign for the City of San Antonio, an opportunity that led to her role as the City Council Aide to the mayor. In this position, Claire worked directly under the Chief of Staff conducting and reporting research on workforce development and sports tourism among other council initiatives. Through these experiences, she found a new passion for local governance, because of its immediate and tangible impact on communities.

Claire is a proud Texan and first generation student raised by parents of mixed immigration status. Outside of her professional and academic endeavours, she finds comfort and purpose within her church community, where she nurtures her faith.

Claire is excited to be working with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, engaging with municipalities on housing development initiatives. She is eager to participate in the Summer 2025 Conference, where she hopes to collaborate with leaders from across the nation to deepen her understanding of housing insecurity and explore innovative solutions.