Trustee Marisa Perez announces departure from the Board
Trustee Marisa Perez will complete her 12-year term in December 2024. She did not
seek reelection in the November elections.
Marisa was first elected to the Cerritos College Board of Trustees in November 2012 and won re-election in 2016 and 2020. She represented Trustee Area 4, which includes Hawaiian Gardens and portions of Lakewood, Bellflower, Cerritos, and Long Beach. Throughout her tenure, Perez held all three board officer positions: president (2012-2013 and 2019-2020), clerk (2013-2015), and vice president (2015-2016 and 2018-2019).
In addition to her service at Cerritos College, she was elected to represent the 72 community college district governing boards as a California Community College Trustee (CCCT) Board member in 2017 and 2020, serving as president from 2022 to 2023. More personally, Marisa started the Perez/Medrano Scholarship in 2013, supporting the aspirations of 37 Cerritos College students in the STEM field, with more students to come.
She currently serves as executive deputy to Metro Board Member Fernando Dutra. She previously served as a board advisor to the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s governing board member and a former White House advisor to President George W. Bush. In 2018, she was awarded the Champion of Equity Award by the Campaign for College Opportunity and the National Organization of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).
“It has been an honor to serve the students, employees, and community members of the Cerritos Community College district for the last 12 years,” said Marisa. “I appreciate the confidence so many people have in our work at the college. I am thankful to many friends, colleagues, and family members who have supported me.”
“For the past twelve years, Trustee Perez demonstrated remarkable determination and a genuine commitment to our students and the community. Through her support, Cerritos College began its transformation to close equity gaps, reduce barriers, and increase student success. We are thankful for her leadership and will continue her legacy in better serving our students,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent.
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