Tomasa is originally from the Imperial Valley and moved to San Diego to attend SDSU to pursue her Bachelor’s degree. She became the first person in her family to obtain a college degree when she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Educational Counseling. Tomasa learned about the importance of getting an education from her farm worker parents, who emphasized the value of the opportunities that education can bring. Tomasa’s 25+ career in early outreach programs began as a volunteer for the Federal TRIO program, Talent Search as a university student. She has held a variety of leadership roles including serving as President for Alpha Pi Sigma, a Latina-based sorority, and several roles within the professional organization Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) as Southern CA Chapter President, WESTOP President and served on the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Board of Directors. Tomasa firmly believes that everyone should have access to higher education as a way to better their life possibilities.  

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” ~Maya Angelou