Stephanie Cajina, raised in the Excelsior riding Muni, nominated to SFMTA board

San Francisco Mayor London Breed Wednesday announced her nomination of Stephanie Cajina to serve on the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s Board of Directors.

A seat has been left vacant since early August of this year when former Director Cheryl Brinkman decided to step down early before her term limit expired.

Cajina is a city native, who was born and raised in Excelsior, where she currently resides. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University.

In a statement, Breed said Cajina’s roots in the Excelsior neighborhood and her history of serving the community will help bring value to the SFMTA board, adding:

She understands how critical Muni is to all San Franciscans, especially our working-class families, and I know that she will work tirelessly to ensure that Muni prioritizes equity and equal access as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cajina said in a statement that she has advocated for the needs of working class families in the Bay Area through her career. She said Muni has played a role in her life and her parent’s life, while growing up in The City:

Muni, specifically the 14 line, was integral in helping my immigrant family navigate the City — whether it was going to get me to school or helping my parents get to work. I am humbled by this opportunity to serve.”

Cajina has formerly served on the SFMTA’s Small Business Working Group when previously serving as the executive director Excelsior Action Group, a nonprofit that helps small businesses with services and helps revitalize underserved commercial corridors in District 11.

Breed’s nomination of Cajina will have to through the Board of Supervisors Rules Committee first and then supervisors will take a vote on the nomination at the full board.

If approved, Cajina will be the only Latinx director on the board, officials said.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai said in a tweet on the mayor’s nomination:

Cajina currently works as a senior economic development specialist for the city of Napa. In addition, Cajina is the vice-chair of the Northern Bay Area Chapter for the Chicano Latino Caucus, California Democratic Party.