U.S. Rep. Karen Bass
U.S. Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District
Elected in 2010, Congressmember Karen Bass serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Judiciary Committee, and the Steering and Policy Committee, and also plays a leadership role in the Congressional Black Caucus. She also has taken leadership positions in reforming America’s foster care system and strengthening the United States’ relationship with Africa. Prior to serving in Congress, Ms. Bass made history when the California Assembly elected her to be its 67th Speaker, catapulting her to become the first African American woman in U.S. history to serve in this powerful state legislative role.
"The idea of having new perspectives on our planet, and actually being able to get that message out, gets me out of bed every day with a spring in my step."