About
Senator Catherine Miranda represents Arizona Legislative District #27 (downtown Phoenix, Laveen, South Mountain and part of Tempe). Catherine is in her second term as Senator (2014 to-date) and is the Ranking member of the Education Committee. The Senator also sits on the Commerce and Public Safety Committee. Prior to serving in the Arizona State Senate, she served two terms as State Representative (from 2010 to 2014). Prior to her Legislative career, Catherine enjoyed her career as a teacher which instilled in her the need to fight for the education rights of children in Arizona, especially of those in low-income communities. She is committed to improve the current level of education in Arizona. In fact, the Senator is co-founder of the Manzana Foundation which helps students prepare for college. Catherine's passion in education has given DreamAct students an opportunity to continue their education at an affordable price through a partnership between the Manzana Foundation and the Navajo Technical College. In addition, Senator Miranda now serves as a member of the Legislative Advisory Committee for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), created to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of the West. In 2011, Senator Miranda was appointed by State House Speaker Andy Tobin to the Education ad hoc Committee, where she was a key player in recommending an effective data system for the State of Arizona. Catherine also co-chairs the Arizona/Sonora ad hoc Committee designed not only to encourage economic development in both regions, but also to promote and maintain the good relationship between our two states. Catherine Miranda was born in Phoenix and is now a resident of Laveen, Arizona. With roots in Legislative District 27, Senator Miranda was raised in the Jorgenson neighborhood, where her athletic talents took her from all-star fame to East High Basketball and various scholarship offers. After graduating from college, she taught at the Roosevelt School District and was later promoted to Assistant Principal. She also served as Administrator for the Washington and Cartwright School Districts. In 2008, Catherine was elected, by the widest margin, to the Roosevelt School Board (Roosevelt is the largest and oldest school district in the South Mountain community).