Erica Muñoz

A lifelong Pasadena resident, Erica's journey began in District 3, where she attended Hodges Head Start, Jefferson Elementary, Marshall Fundamental, and later John Muir High School. As a teenage mother at 15 years old, Erica faced challenges that could have easily ended her educational journey. Instead, she took advantage of the teen parent daycare program at John Muir and continued fighting for a better future for herself and her growing family.

After stepping away from school, Erica returned to education at 24 years old as a mother of four children. She enrolled at the Pasadena City College Extension Center to earn her GED before continuing at the main PCC campus, where she ultimately earned her high school diploma. Determined to keep moving forward, Erica stayed at Pasadena City College and earned her Associate's Degree in Administration of Justice, graduating as valedictorian of her class.

Her educational journey continued at University of California, Irvine, where Erica moved her entire family, her husband and four children, into campus family housing while pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Criminology, Law and Society, along with a minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. During her time at UCI, Erica welcomed her fifth child before beginning her graduate studies.

Erica's commitment to Pasadena goes far beyond her own story. She raised her children in Pasadena schools, including Hamilton Elementary School, McKinley School, and Pasadena High School. Today, her grandchildren also attend McKinley and previously attended Odyssey Charter Schools before the campus was lost in the Eaton Fire.

Professionally, Erica has dedicated her life to serving vulnerable youth and families. She has worked as a mental health counselor in group home settings and with Transitional Age Youth (TAY), helping young people facing trauma, instability, and barriers to success. She has also facilitated workshops for the City of Pasadena's ROSE Program, supporting community education and empowerment.

From 2014 to 2016, Erica served as the Lead Community Violence Interrupter for the City of Pasadena, working directly in neighborhoods impacted by violence to build trust, de-escalate conflicts, and connect residents to resources and support.

Erica's life experience gives her a deep understanding of the struggles many Pasadena families face: housing instability, access to education, public safety, youth opportunity, and economic survival. Her campaign is rooted in the belief that every resident deserves to be seen, heard, and supported, no matter where they start in life.

Today, Erica is running for Pasadena City Council District 3 to bring lived experience, compassion, and community-driven leadership to City Hall.