MEET REBECCA

Early Life:

Rebecca Barrett grew up in a working-class family with diverse roots; her father was the son of Mexican and Irish immigrants, and her mother was from Liverpool, England. After living in various places, the family settled in Concord when Rebecca was 12. She now resides in Martinez with her husband, close to her childhood home.

The economic shifts in the Bay Area shaped Rebecca's early life. Her mother returned to work as a caregiver after the dot-com bubble burst, prioritizing her children's education above all else. Rebecca attended local schools, including Concord High School, before attending Diablo Valley College (DVC) to avoid college debt during the Bay Area housing crisis. DVC provided Rebecca with critical support for her dyslexia and opportunities to work and volunteer, eventually leading her to transfer to UCLA, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science.

PROFESSIONAL Experience:

Rebecca has dedicated her career to tackling challenges such as school shootings, climate change, and the rising costs of education and housing. She began at the California Department of Education, rising to the role of Principal Advisor to the State Superintendent, where she led initiatives like the Gold Ribbon Schools program.

Returning to Contra Costa County in 2015, Rebecca worked for Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and various nonprofits. Elected to the Contra Costa Community College District Board in 2018, she has fought against budget cuts and promoted programs supporting first-generation students, including expanding the district’s free tuition program and enhancing student resources.

Rebecca has also championed inclusivity, flying the Pride Flag on campuses and promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. During the COVID-19 crisis, she ensured a smooth transition to online learning and supported students and staff through emergency measures.

Moving Forward:

Rebecca believes in the vital role of community colleges in preparing students for the future workforce. Rebecca Barrett is committed to strengthening our community colleges and supporting all students as they pursue their dreams.