Cabrera helps support the work of policymakers and state agencies and departments through research and analysis, technical support, policy briefings, and similar activities. Cabrera also assists in convening stakeholders, foundation partners, and grantees in efforts to advance the foundation's mission.

Prior to joining CHCF, Cabrera was a senior consultant to the California Assembly Human Services Committee, where she researched and analyzed policies and programs in human services, and organized informational and oversight hearings. Cabrera also wrote analyses of proposed legislation and made recommendations for amendments and disposition of legislation, among other duties.

Previously, she served as a consultant and district representative to Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny. In her consultant role, Cabrera analyzed policy, provided recommendations, and developed legislation for the California Senate Budget Chair on pressing issues such as health care reform, telemedicine, hospital seismic safety standards, recruitment and retention of physicians in rural and underserved communities, and community clinic licensing.

Cabrera also served as a federal subaward grants coordinator for Father Joe's Villages in San Diego, where she administered the selection and distribution of more than $200,000 in federal subaward grants from the US Department of Health and Human Services to faith- and community-based organizations. She has held leadership positions at other nonprofits, including Centro Cultural de La Raza and Líderes Campesinas, both in Southern California.

Cabrera received a bachelor's of science degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a community economic development certificate from San Diego State University.