Cynthia Ann Sterling was born and raised in Fresno, California. As the daughter of former Fresno councilwoman Elma P Sterling. Cynthia and businessman Feltus Leroy Sterling, Sr., Cynthia was taught the value of public service and hard work early in life. As a result, Cynthia was active in school activities at San Joaquin Memorial High School where she graduated with a high school diploma. Cynthia continued her formal education obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from Xavier University and completing graduate courses in political science and urban planning at California State University in Hayward, California.

In her professional life, Cynthia worked at various businesses and was a principle in her own funeral home business. In the Fresno community, Cynthia remained active serving as the President of Jack and Jill of America, serving on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers and Sisters, Golden Valley Girl Scouts, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority and becoming a member of Rotary International.

Despite her social commitments, Cynthia remained devoted to public service. In 2003 she was elected to the Fresno City council. Cynthia made history when she was elected to the District Three seat by becoming the first African-American woman to be elected to the city council. The seat Cynthia was elected to was the same seat that her mother had been appointed to in 1969! During her term, Cynthia distinguished herself on the council by becoming the voice of the community. As council woman the residents of District three saw new sidewalks, new street gutters, handicap access ramps built into sidewalks, affordable housing units flourishing downtown, new businesses opening in her district. Cynthia also worked for all of Fresno by helping balance the budget and maintain a "rainy day" surplus to address city fiscal emergencies.

Cynthia's hard work was rewarded when in 2007, District Three voters elected her to a second term with over 60% of the vote. Since her re-election Cynthia was named Chair of the Fresno Redevelopment Agency in 2006 and 2007. Finally, in 2009 she made history again when she became the first African-American woman to become President of the Fresno City Council in 2009. Under her leadership, while the State and county struggled with deficit spending, the City council once again passed a balanced budget leaving another "rainy day" fund in place for financial emergencies. As your supervisor Cynthia will bring "balance..for a change" to Fresno County District One.