Biography
A Teacher's Passion for Student Success.
Re-Elect to Río Hondo Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 3
Rosaelva Lomeli is a full-time science teacher who has also devoted the past eight years to public service as a two-term Río Hondo Community College District Trustee and now serves as the Board's President. Since her election in 2018, she has helped guide the college to one of the strongest fiscal positions in its history, including a bond rating upgrade to Aa1 from Moody's, driven by prudent financial management and strong reserves. She supported the passage of Measure RH, which funds new Science and Math facilities and the college's first student housing project, and helped launch the High Road Training Partnership to expand workforce and apprenticeship programs that connect students directly to local careers.
Lomeli has served on the college's Bond Task Force and budget subcommittee, led the 2026-27 Board Retreat, and hosted a U.S. Department of Labor site visit showcasing the career and workforce programs she has championed in Washington, D.C. A consistent advocate for students' basic needs since taking office, she was part of the initial planning that led to Río Hondo's first student housing project.
For 29 years, teaching has been Lomeli's career and her calling. She has taught science to eighth graders in Montebello for that entire time. For the last five years, as a Teacher on Special Assignment, supporting fellow teachers, students, and parents districtwide. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mount Saint Mary's University, a Single Subject Credential in Biology, and a Master of Arts in Education, both from Whittier College. She is a proud member of the Montebello Teachers Association. Her trustee service grew directly out of that classroom experience, a chance to extend the same commitment to students beyond her own school.
Lomeli created the college's Community Concert Series to bring residents onto campus and regularly represents the district at state and federal Community College Legislative Summits. She participated in the ASPEN Trustee Fellowship and sits on the Healthy South El Monte Leadership Council.
Lomeli's commitment to community runs deep and personal. The daughter of two hardworking immigrant parents who instilled the value of education early on. She is one of five siblings- three sisters and a brother- and part of a large extended family rooted in Whittier. She has called Whittier home since 2012, where she owns a home. She volunteers with the Soroptimist International of Whittier, her school's after-school Girls Golf Club, and is a familiar face at community events across Whittier and South El Monte.
"As trustees, it is our responsibility to elevate student needs and help shape policies that create opportunity for all." — Rosaelva Lomeli, Board President