Mariela, a lifelong Contra Costa resident, graduated from Liberty High School in Brentwood. Engaging in various extracurricular activities, she actively participates in the Latinos Unidos Club, Health Careers Academy, and National Honor Society. Her educational journey began at Marsh Creek Elementary School and continued through Edna Hill Middle School.

With aspirations to pursue a career as a Dental Hygienist, Mariela has set her sights on attending Los Medanos College after high school. She plans to complete the necessary prerequisites to fulfill her dream career there. Becoming a Dental Hygienist has been her lifelong passion and ambition.

Drawing from her own experiences, Mariela's determination to help others is evident. Recounting her upbringing, where her family primarily spoke Spanish at home, and she received minimal homework assistance, she empathizes with those facing language barriers in their education. Her desire to support others led her to choose VCRC as her place of work. She shares, "I want to become a tutor because I understand the feeling of being behind in school due to a language barrier. At VCRC, every child, regardless of their background, can receive equal support and education, and I want them to realize this. They don't need to struggle alone." Mariela's commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for children drives her journey to positively impact their lives.