U.S. Congressman Lou Correa (CA 46)

Keynote Speaker

U.S. Congressman Lou Correa represents California’s 46th District—Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, and Santa Ana—in the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. As a member of Congress, he serves on the House Homeland Security Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, the Subcommittee on Immigration and Boarder Security, and the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. He is also a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management.

A native of Anaheim, and a son of working-class parents, Congressman Correa learned the value of a strong work ethic through his parents’ example. His mother, who cleaned hotel rooms across from Disneyland, and his father, who held a manufacturing job at a paper mill, encouraged their children to pursue an education. Watching his parents’ dedication to build the American Dream for their children, Lou became the first in his family to go to college and earn a degree. Before running for office, he worked in the private sector in the banking industry, and was also a licensed attorney and licensed real estate broker. He started serving in public office in Sacramento as a member of the California State Assembly for three terms. Later, he served as a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors before returning to Sacramento to represent Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster in the California State Senate. As a State Senator, the first-generation elected official supported local public health and safety services, mental healthcare, and health and safety programs for children. Lou created Operation Kid Prints, a safety program that partners with local schools to provide free finger printing and safety information for parents. And he also pioneered the statewide Young Senators Program which brought teenagers from all walks of life to learn about the California State Legislative process, and the importance of community service. He has served on numerous boards of the Orange County Family Justice Center, the Orange County Board of Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership (G.R.I.P.), the California Small Business Board, and the Orange County Community Development Council, the county’s anti-poverty council. Prior to earning his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of California, Los Angeles, Congressman Correa earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from California State University, Fullerton.

The Congressman, who was named “Father of the Year” by the American Diabetes Association of Orange County, lives in Santa Ana with his wife and their four children and can be found at community events every weekend.