Clarissa is a Salvadoran immigrant, self-aware being, and cheerful community advocate with a strong interest in outreach and civic engagement. Clarissa is deeply committed to the fight for justice and equity for all groups of people. She has spent the last 16 years working in language accessibility. In 2019, Governor Jerry Brown appointed her as Language Access Manager where she led the statewide 2020 Census outreach efforts to hard-to-count, limited English proficient populations. Clarissa holds prestigious certifications such as the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters and U.S. State Department. 

She has also been involved in local and national efforts around immigration rights, elections, and the Census. Currently, she serves on local Boards in both the nonprofit and public sectors with a focus on equal access during elections and gender and racial equity.

After many years of dedication and perseverance, Clarissa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies, with a concentration in Intercultural and International Communication. In 2018, she received the Inspiration Estrella Award from the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, she was recognized by the League of Women Voters with the Anne Rudin Scholarship Award for Women in Public Policy. Clarissa is also a New Leaders Council alumna. In 2020, she was awarded the Newman Civic Fellowship through the Campus Compact, representing Sacramento State on an international level. In Spring 2021, Clarissa is projected to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Sacramento State University. Stingers up! 

Before COVID-19, you could find Clarissa at community events, eating at local mom & pop restaurants, or wandering off on weekend road trips and international travel any chance she got. She visits her homeland frequently to see family and connect with her Mayan roots. 

Clarissa wants you to know she has way too many photos of food on her phone. She’s a lifelong learner that loves trying new things, being outdoors, loves her three fur babies (chuchitos), and exploring the world with her significant other. She is also a plant mom and tends to her plantitas every day.