First-generation student and mother of three Mariana Ramirez was elected by her peers
last spring to serve as the Compton Community College District’s (CCCD) Student Trustee
for the 2026-2027 academic year. She will serve as representative for the students
at Compton College through June 2027.As the student trustee, Ramirez will attend all Board meetings, discuss student related issues, and receive all materials presented to the members of the CCCD Board of Trustees, except for closed session issues. It is also the student trustee’s responsibility to make regular reports to the Associated Student Government and at other public forums held on behalf of Compton College students as it relates to the business of the District.
Ramirez is drawn to advocacy and bringing communities together for the common good. She hopes to be a role model by sharing her experiences and encouraging other students to get involved. “My journey as an advocate began when my son was diagnosed with a learning disability. I learned to speak up, ask questions, and make sure he had the support he needed to succeed. I hope to bring that same care, determination, and commitment to advocating for my fellow students at Compton College,” said Ramirez. “While I am naturally shy, I’m not afraid to speak up for what is right or make suggestions for improvements around campus.”
Before enrolling at Compton College in summer 2025, Ramirez had attended a few other community colleges and earned a pastry certificate in culinary arts from The Art Institute of California – Orange County. She became a mother as a teenager and caring for her family was always her top priority. Her motivation to return and complete her college education stems from her grandmother’s influence and her own desire to break the cycle of financial instability.
While completing her studies, she currently works full-time as a recycling coordinator at Athens Services, Southern California’s largest family-owned waste management company. She returned to Compton College after a long break to gain the knowledge and experience needed to grow professionally. Passionate about outreach and education, Ramirez hopes to continue growing professionally while helping communities embrace more sustainable practices.
“Returning to higher education and attending Compton College motivated me to dream bigger,” said Ramirez. The business administration major now plans to graduate with her associate degree in June 2027 and transfer to California State University, Dominguez Hills to earn a bachelor’s degree. “I’m so inspired by my instructors at Compton College that I’m also considering pursuing a master’s degree, and I would like to work at a community college in the future in a student outreach role.”
Ramirez believes staying actively engaged with her fellow students is one of her most important responsibilities as student trustee. “During my campaign last spring, I began asking students about their concerns, ideas, and the improvements they would like to see on campus. I plan to continue that outreach throughout the academic year and bring their feedback and ideas to the college administration and Board meetings when appropriate.”
In August, she attended a three-day Student Trustee Workshop hosted by the Community College League of California in Burlingame, California with student trustees from other colleges in the state. The workshop helps student leaders understand their legal roles, board responsibilities, and advocacy skills, as well as provides opportunities for personal and professional networking. “What stood out most was realizing the impact I can make for Compton College and community colleges statewide,” said Ramirez. “I left the workshop feeling inspired and motivated to listen, advocate, and represent Compton College students.”
Ramirez looks to the future when her TK and kindergarten age children will be college-attending age. “It’s meaningful to know that the work I am doing today is creating opportunities they may benefit from tomorrow,” she said. “I want them and all the children growing up in our community to see Compton College as a pillar of possibility, opportunity, and hope for their future.”
