Term of Office 2024-2028
Ms. Rocha was elected to the Board of Trustees November 5, 2024. She represents Trustee Area 2 which includes the City of Pico Rivera and West Whittier.
Biography
Yarisma is a lifelong resident of Pico Rivera whose educational roots were established at Valencia Elementary School, Rivera Middle School, and El Rancho High School. In 2012, Yarisma graduated from El Rancho High School and became a mother to her daughter, Kayla.
With the newfound responsibility of raising a child, Yarisma pursued higher education at Río Hondo College with the aim to earn a Transfer Degree in Business. In late 2013, Yarisma’s purpose amplified when Kayla was diagnosed with childhood cancer, Leukemia. Yarisma continued her education at Río Hondo College despite Kayla’s challenging three-year treatment.
At Río Hondo College, Yarisma was employed at the Río Hondo Fitness Center and at the Student Life Center. Academically, Yarisma joined the Honors Society, Alpha Gamma Sigma and the Río Hondo Honors Program. In addition, Yarisma became a Río Hondo Student Ambassador whose role was to give campus tours and encourage students to pursue education at Río Hondo College. As a support pillar, Yarisma leaned on EOP&S, CalWORKs, Transfer Center, STEM Tutoring Center and staff for guidance and unconditional support. Lastly, the Río Hondo Child Development Center was Kayla’s daycare while Yarisma was fully immersed in college.
In Spring of 2018, Yarisma graduated from Río Hondo College and was recognized at the commencement ceremony as a high-achieving student with full scholarship rides to the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Southern California (USC).
In Fall of 2018, Yarisma attended USC, Marshall School of Business and graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Today, Yarisma is an IT Project Manager at City National Bank and an appointed Planning Commissioner for the City of Pico Rivera, where she leverages her expertise to drive strategic initiatives and shape the community’s development. Additionally, Yarisma’s daughter, Kayla, made a full recovery and reached remission in 2017, a testament to their resilience and strength.
Yarisma believes if you start RÍO, you can go anywhere!