Marina Gatto knows a lot about discrimination.  Growing up not only Latina but with two lesbian mothers, she remembers the sting of her home being vandalized and frightening threats against the lives of her family.  At the age of nine, Marina began speaking publicly to educate people about diversity and acceptance, and to help create political and social change.  She has appeared in newspapers and on television, and has spoken at conferences, schools and universities.  Last year she was selected as one of Cosmogirl Magazine’s “Top Ten Born to Lead,” and was named one of “San Mateo County’s Young Women of Excellence,” and inducted into the county’s Hall of Fame.  She also received the national “RESPECT” Award from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).   

A second generation American of Salvadoran descent, Marina remembers her grandmother’s stories about the discrimination her mother had faced as a child, when they were the only Latino family living in a predominantly white area.  This too was part of the impetus for Marina to work tirelessly to educate audiences about diversity, and the contributions that different groups of people can bring to American society.    

From her home in San Carlos, CA, Marina is committed to making significant policy changes throughout the state.  She was instrumental in passing two California assembly bills, including the Domestic Rights and Responsibilities Act, which passed by only one vote, and affects over 100,000 families in the state including her own.   

Marina is a leader in the Latino and LGBT communities.  After graduating from Mercy High School with a 3.6 GPA, she will attend the University of California Berkeley and study law.  One day she hopes to become a politician, carrying with her the richness of her Latino heritage and the experiences that have helped shape her into being an advocate for people of many diverse backgrounds.