Melissa Esparza

Board Member

Melissa Esparza currently serves as Press Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, where she leads press outreach and oversees Spanish-language media relations. 

Born and raised in Pacoima, Melissa began her career in public service in the 29th Congressional District, where she advanced through field and communications roles before serving as Press Secretary. Through these roles, she developed an approach to communications rooted in connecting public policy to the people and communities it impacts.

Melissa has also worked in electoral politics, serving as Press Secretary for George Whitesides’ congressional campaign in California’s 27th District, one of the country’s most competitive battleground races and a key Democratic red-to-blue pickup opportunity. In that role, she helped drive the campaign’s media engagement in a nationally watched race, bringing together her experience in political communications, public policy, and community-centered storytelling.

Melissa is a graduate of UC Berkeley with degrees in Political Science and Ethnic Studies and an alumna of the PPIA Fellowship.