District 8 Team

  • Councilmember Mai Vang

    COUNCILMEMBER

    Councilmember Mai Vang is the daughter of Hmong refugees from Laos, a proud Sacramento native, and the eldest of 16 children. Before her election in November 2020 to represent Sacramento’s Eighth City Council District, Vang served as the Executive Director of the Buck Scholars Association, an organization that provides mentorship and scholarships to talented high school students who lack the resources and support to achieve their educational goals. She previously taught in the Department of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Sacramento and in the Department of Asian American Studies at the University of California, Davis. (Click here to read more)

  • JAIME R. CERVANTES

    DISTRICT OFFICE DIRECTOR

    As the District Office Director, Jaime oversees office operations and is the lead staff on constituent cases in the office. Jaime serves as the Excutive Assistant for the Councilmember and manages the office administration needs, including incoming meetings, invitations, and sponsorship requests. Jaime is a board member of the Florin Road Partnership.

    Jaime completed a double B.A. in General Management and Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State and has a background in community work, administration, and education. In his free time, Jaime enjoys playing sports, visiting new restaurants, cooking, and traveling.

  • SAMANTHA LYSAYTHONG

    DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC INITIATVES & EVENTS

    As the Director of Special Events, Samantha oversees the planning and execution of all District 8 community programs and events in addition to constituent services. Samantha is the lead staff for the Councilmember’s Food Justice Taskforce and the Heart & Hustle Scholarship program.

    Samantha completed her B.A. in Biology and B.S. in Family and Consumer Science at Sacramento State and has a background in nonprofit development, community outreach, and administration. In her free time, Samantha enjoys reading, hiking, and Zumba.

  • ALEXXISS DIAZ

    COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

    As Communications Director, Alexxiss leads the strategic communication efforts for District 8, managing social media platforms, newsletters, media relations, and the dissemination of community resources. She ensures that vital information reaches residents effectively and consistently. Alexxiss also serves as the lead staff for the Councilmember’s 102 Acres Advisory Committee and the City's Racial Equity Committee.

    Alexxiss earned her Bachelor of Arts in Film and Marketing from Sacramento State University, where she also played Division I softball. She recently completed her Master’s in Public Administration and County/City Management at the University of Southern California. With a strong background in community engagement, partnership building, and digital content creation, Alexxiss plays an active role in advancing local government management initiatives.

    In her free time, Alexxiss is a dedicated member and co-representative for Region 3 of the Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC).

Heart & Hustle Fellows, Interns & Volunteers

  • Delaney Hubbard

    SPECIAL EVENTS FELLOW

    2024 - Present

  • dAVE vERMA

    STRATEGIC INITIATIES AND EVENTS INTERN

    2024 - Present

  • Sada Ahmed

    HEART AND HUSTLE VOLUNTEER

    2022 - Present

Former Fellows, Interns & Volunteers

  • NIMANI PHANTAVONG

    2023 SPECIAL EVENTS INTERN

  • SIYONA ROYCHOUDHURY

    2023 COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

  • NIKHITA SUNDARAPANDIAN

    2023 POLICY INTERN

  • Jordan Peterson

    2003 COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

  • Ducatii Phrommavongxay

    2023 SPECIAL EVENTS INTERN

  • Juan pablo Reyes

    2023 HEART & HUSTLE VOLUNTEER