Melanie Cuevas serves as the vice president of government relations for the California Bankers Association, where her advocacy portfolio focuses mainly on issues related to cannabis, debt collection, labor and employment, political reform, privacy, and agricultural, student and military lending.

Prior to joining CBA in 2019, Ms. Cuevas began her foray into government relations work in 2015 with the firm Gonzalez, Quintana, Hunter & Cruz, LLC, after serving as a legislative aide in both the California State Senate and Assembly. Preceding her work in the Legislature, she worked in news media, serving as Editor of Dandelion Magazine, which caters to families living with special needs. Dandelion won prestigious PMA awards for Overall Writing and General Excellence during her tenure with the magazine.

Ms. Cuevas graduated with a degree in journalism and marketing from San Francisco State University, during which time she also coached competitive cheerleading teams. After graduation, she spent four years dancing professionally, including with the Oakland Raiderettes, an internationally recognized public relations team, where she participated in philanthropic events, performances associated with the National Football League, community workshops, and media appearances on the local, national, and international levels.

This well-rounded history allows Ms. Cuevas to seamlessly adapt to the evolving and diverse political landscape in California and to provide CBA’s member banks with excellent customer service and effective representation.

SESSION:
Legislative Update