Ms. Tanaka grew up in Orange County, California. Ms. Tanaka earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she majored in Psychology and Political Science. Ms. Tanaka earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Irvine School of Law. As a member of the second class, she enjoyed creating a new school together with her classmates and colleagues. Throughout law school, she volunteered with the Senior Citizens Legal Advocacy Program at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County. As an intern with the child protection team trial unit of the County Counsel’s Office, she advocated in the courtroom for the welfare of children.