CHCI-Valero Intern
Hometown: Oxnard, California
School: California State University-Channel Islands
Major: Environmental Studies
Placement: The Office of Rep. Nanette Barragan
Maripas was born and raised in Oxnard, California by both her mother and father who immigrated from Mexico to the United States at the ages of 18 and 20. From a young age her parents placed an importance on receiving a higher education and to always give back to the community from which you came from. By placing the importance of giving back to your community by her parents, Maripas has become active in her community by participating with different nonprofit groups that are focused on bringing justice to field workers and the environment. Maripas sees the value in attaining a higher education and giving back because she is not only doing it for herself, but for her family and everyone who has supported her on her journey.
Maripas is currently a junior at California State University, Channel Islands majoring in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on Resource Management and Chicano/a Studies. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Maripas plans to receive her master’s in public policy with an emphasis on environmental policy. She hopes to one day become the Assembly Member of her district for the California State Assembly.
As a CHCI Intern, Maripas hopes to gain more insight on the legislative process and be exposed to the environment she one day hopes to work in. She plans to use this experience as a guideline and tool to further influence her to keep working towards justice in her community.