While in college, Perez led a statewide campaign that raised $97 million to increase college access and affordability for all California students. During the same time, she was elected to the local neighborhood council and worked on issues such as neighborhood beautification and transportation.

Since graduating, Perez has continued her work on pressing public policy issues, led statewide campaigns, and educated constituents across California on how to effectively fight for policies that improve their community. Over the past decade, she has played a major role in passing landmark legislation that increased access to health care, expanded government transparency, and provided protections for victims of violent crime.

In November 2020, Perez was elected to the Alhambra City Council and immediately sworn in as Mayor, making her the youngest mayor in the history of the San Gabriel Valley and the youngest Latina mayor to lead a city of more than 50,000 residents in California.

Perez remains an active member of the community, volunteering her time at food banks and serving on the board of directors of the Asian Youth Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering low-income, immigrant, and at-risk youth. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, supporting local restaurants, and reading with her cats.