Natalie grew up in the heart of the Eastern Sierras, raised by a high school teacher and hospital interpreter. Born to Korean and Canadian immigrants, she is a first generation American, who has always been passionate about social justice and pursuing a career in public policy.
She entered the California State Assembly through the Sacramento Semester Internship Program, before working as a Legislative Director for two state Assemblymembers, including a past TK-12 Education Budget Chair. Throughout her time in the legislature, Natalie focused primarily on education policy, with an equity focused lens. As a staffer, she shepherded several successful bills that were signed into law, including AB 714 (2023), which focused on the needs of Newcomer students, and AB 2927 (2024), which made personal finance a high school graduation requirement.
In 2025, she helped secure funding for CalKIDS through the state budget, ensuring all foster youth in California have access to a college savings account. She is committed to ensuring that all students feel safe and supported at school and that English Learners have the resources and enrichment they need to succeed.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys skiing and swimming, and has a passion for traveling the world.