Malia Cohen Promotes Smart Investments in California

Today on the show, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Malia Cohen, a Chair on the Board of Equalization of California. They talk about what the California State Board of Equalization does, what her role as the chair of this Board entails, and the large purview of the Board. With the amount of money being brought into California annually by the California Board of Equalization, California's economy could be considered the 6th largest globally. Through their decisions, board seatings, and investments, the Chairs and Controller determine what is done with this money. Looking ahead to more ways to serve, she has now entered into the Controller race to interact with crucial industries, become the deciding vote on the Board, and control fiduciary responsibility to help California grow for all. Malia looks back at her work as the President of the San Francisco Police Commission, where she played a pivotal role in improving law enforcement policies, and the Board of California Public Employees Retirement Systems (CalPERS), where she helped divest retirement funds from fossil fuels. Highlighting her leadership approach and how the golden thread that ties all of these positions together is Malia's deep drive to effect positive change in the communities she serves. She credits a lot of this to a memorable field trip to City Hall that inspired her to work there when she got older. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear about a San Francisco favorite of her's that serves some refreshing Margaritas just in time for spring!