Learn more about our efforts to ensure that everyone who calls California home has access to a quality and affordable healthcare system as well as mental health services, regardless of income.
Taking action to advocate for an accessible, quality, culturally appropriate, and affordable healthcare system that meets the needs of everyone who calls California home.
Working to ensure that all Californians that need assistance have access to quality mental health services and treatment programs.
Legislative Director & Policy Advisor
Partnerships Manager and Senior Policy Advisor
Samantha Seng covers education policy – early childhood, K – 12th grade, and higher education for NextGen Policy. The work includes advocating for policies and programs that promote access, equity, and student success at every stage of their educational career.
Samantha joined NextGen after a stint in the California State Assembly, working on a wide range of issues for several different elected officials. Before moving to Sacramento, Samantha came from the non-profit sector, teaching, mentoring, and tutoring low-income and at-promise youth throughout the Bay Area.
Samantha is a proud daughter of immigrants, a first-generation college graduate, and the first family member to hold a Master’s Degree – in Education from Lesley University. Samantha holds an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley.
Pronouns: They/She
Elena Santamaria specializes in health, human services, and homelessness policy issues. She has led NextGen’s efforts to defend the Affordable Care Act, extend services to undocumented communities, ensure patients have access to affordable prescription drugs, and expand progressive healthcare policies both nationally and in California. Additionally, she spearheads the organization’s racial equity work as it relates to the state’s Racial Equity Commission and co-leads the coalition advocacy.
Prior to working at NextGen Policy, Elena worked in the California State Legislature for a number of Assembly Members and also intermittently spent time on various legislative campaigns.
Elena holds a Bachelors of Science in Political Science from the University of California, Davis.
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers