About

Born in 1962 in Boyle Heights, Dr. Diaz comes from a multicultural and multi-ethnic background. She is American of Mexican, Japanese, Basque, and Yaqui Indian descent. She is a true embodiment of American diversity, where her roots intertwine across these rich traditions. A poignant chapter of her family history lies within her mother’s narrative. Her late mother, Kimiko, was a product of the tumultuous 1940s. Born in 1942 within the confines of Tule Lake, one of the ten US government concentration camps, she experienced firsthand the distressing period when Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated during World War II.  This painful history serves as a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.

Her father, Anthony, was no stranger to struggles either. Born in 1942, he emerged from the Hazard Park government housing projects in Boyle Heights, where he experienced poverty first-hand. Here, he took his initial steps toward shaping a life intertwined with Kimiko’s.

Fate paved a course that led Anthony and Kimiko to meet at Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights in the late 1950s. They first crossed paths within these hallowed halls, eventually forging a bond that would culminate in marriage in 1960. Kimiko’s dedication shone as she contributed to the family’s livelihood by working at the Little Bank of Tokyo in District 14. Her unwavering support enabled Anthony to pursue his education at the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned his Doctorate in Pharmacology in 1968 and subsequently his MD from the University of Utah in 1979, specializing in Anesthesiology.

In sum, Dr. Diaz’s heritage is a mosaic woven with threads of perseverance, cultural heritage, and the power of education. Her family’s journey, spanning three generations and cultures, is an unbeatable source of inspiration and fuels her drive to effect positive change in District 14 and beyond.