Representative Kyrsten Sinema - Associate Faculty Member

A native Arizonan, born in Tucson, Representative Kyrsten Sinema not only represents District 15 in the Arizona House of Representatives, but also teaches at Arizona State University in the School of Social Work and practices criminal defense law, having recently earned her Juris Doctorate from ASU School of Law.

Representative Sinema is a bold voice for progressive values at the state capitol.  In her first session alone, she introduced legislation that would grant domestic partner benefits for all, fought for criminal justice reform, defended immigrant rights and was an unfailing advocate for working families.   She was named “Most Valuable Player” by the Sierra Club for her commitment in protecting Arizona’s environment and was the recipient of Planned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona’s 2006 Legislative CHOICE Award for her untiring work on women’s issues.  Most recently, she was named Legislator of the Year by the Arizona Stonewall Democrats. 

An tireless advocate for human rights and social justice, Representative Sinema has served on numerous Boards of non-profit and advocacy organizations.  Currently, she is concentrating on migrant rights and LGBTQ rights.  A leader in the immigrants’ rights movement, she is the founding member of the Coalition for Migrant Rights.  Additionally, she is chairing the Arizona Together Coalition to defeat the 2006 marriage initiative sponsored by the conservative right.

Hailed by the Arizona Tribune as one of Four Legislators to Watch in her first session in the House, Representative Kyrsten hosts The Truth to Power Hour on Air America Phoenix.  Dedicated to serve as a forum for statewide education, action and progressive organizing, the show has been touted as a novel and effective tool for social action.