First elected to Alameda City Council in 2016, Malia has served twice as Vice Mayor (2016-2018 and 2020-2022). Malia is an attorney, educator, and public school parent of two. She has led efforts to improve student outcomes as a Deputy Superintendent at the California Department of Education, focusing on education policy, improving literacy proficiency, closing the opportunity gap, and transforming California's schools.

Since leaving the Department, Malia has continued her work in education advising and supporting education leaders from across the world by focusing on improving literacy rates through early screening for risk of reading difficulties and providing students of all backgrounds with access to supported fluency practice. 

While on council, Malia was selected by her peers across California to serve as a member of the League of California Cities API Caucus executive board and as a caucus representative to the League of California Cities Executive Board and Public Safety Policy Committee. She previously served as a member of the League of California Cities Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee.  On the council, Malia was forward-thinking, focusing on the health and safety of residents and providing economic opportunities for businesses and residents.

An active member of the community, Malia previously served on Alameda's Historical Advisory Board and the Alameda Family Services Board, and continues to serve Spectrum Community Services Board. Before assuming office, she also volunteered with the Philippine Independence Day Committee and Alameda's Sister City Association for several years.

A former staffer for members of the California Senate and Assembly from the East Bay, Malia has a background in policy and constituent services. She has also worked as a policy director and attorney focusing on labor and employment law, representing public and private sector workers. As a professor, Malia taught governance and public policy courses at Mills College and Public Policy and CSU East Bay.

Malia is a graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a B.A. in Architecture and Political Science. She earned her J.D. with a special certificate in Public Interest and Social Justice at Santa Clara University School of Law. Malia is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in California and the U.S. Supreme Court.