Dr. Raquel knows firsthand
the power of community colleges to transform lives.
The daughter of immigrant parents, Dr. Raquel watched her mother attend community college while raising three children, launching a nursing career that changed her family's future. Years later, her own son earned his Associate’s Degree and STEM certificate through Contra Costa College.
A Richmond resident for more than 20 years, Dr. Raquel has spent her career expanding educational opportunities, from leading the Latino Community Foundation to directing a $30M cradle-to-career initiative in the Mission District, to overseeing education grants for a family foundation.
Dr. Raquel is running for the Contra Costa Community College District Board because she believes community colleges remain one of the strongest pathways to opportunity and economic mobility
MEET RAQUEL
Dr. Raquel is supported by leaders across the East Bay
ENDORSEMENTS
Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent*
Jesse Arreguín
State Senator*
Anamarie Ávila Farías
Assemblymember*
John Gioia
Supervisor, Contra Costa*
John Marquez
CCCC Board Member, Ward 1*
Fernando Sandoval
CCCC Board Member, Ward 5*
Gabriel Quinto
Mayor, El Cerrito*
Demetrio Gonzales Hoy
Trustee, WCCUSD (Area 4)*
Eric Zell
Fmr. Chair, CCC Foundation*
*Titles for identification purposes only
Priorities for Contra Costa Colleges
WHAT DR. RAQUEL STANDS FOR
Building Pathways to Opportunities
Community colleges should help every student find the path that fits their goals, whether that’s earning a workforce certificate, completing a training program, or transferring to a four-year university.
Cultivating Workforce and Community Partnerships
Working with coalitions is key to creating robust career pathways for our students. As a trustee, I will build strong partnerships with local employers, unions, and industry leaders to connect students to internships, career training, and living-wage jobs.
Removing Barriers to Academic and Career Success
Students cannot succeed if they are struggling to meet basic needs. As an experienced nonprofit leader and coalition builder, I will work with other trustees, faculty and staff to ensure our students have access to housing, food, childcare, and legal services so they can stay enrolled, complete their education, and reach their goals.
Responsible Stewardship of Public Resources
I bring decades of experience managing budgets, grants, and nonprofit organizations. As a trustee, I will promote transparency, accountability, and investments that support student success.
Promoting Innovation in Learning
We live in an increasingly digitized world and a competitive job market. If elected, I will work with our faculty, local employers and community partners to ensure access to dual enrollment, middle college, and career pathway programs that help students earn college credit, gain valuable skills, and get a head start on their futures.
