Council Experience

Maria del Pilar Avalos was first elected to the South Gate City Council in March 2020 and was recently re-elected in November 2024 for an additional 4-year term.  She served as Mayor in December 2023 to December 2024.  As a member of the City Council, she shares the responsibilities of the City Council to set policies and goals for the community.

Personal Life

Ma. Pilar is a former dreamer having arrived in United States as an undocumented child at the age of 3 from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. She has resided in the beautiful City of South Gate for the past 48 years.  She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and two master’s degrees: one in Education with a Multiple Subject Credential and the second in Counseling in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy.

Professional Experience/Volunteer Work

As a teacher, Ma. Pilar received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Lynwood Rotary Club in 2013 and from Lynwood Unified School District in 2015. She served as Vice-Chair to the 63rd State Assembly District for the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and was named Women of the Year for the 63rd State Assembly District in 2013.

Ma. Pilar served as a member of the Community Advisory Committee for several years advocating for the funding of youth and senior programs. She has strong values in public service and in her faith which were instilled in her by her parents and have continued to guide her commitment to improving the lives of children and empowering parents in the South Gate community.