The strength of Cal Bears in the Desert lies in the dedication and passion of our leadership team. Our Board Members bring a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise — all united by a shared commitment to supporting students, fostering alumni connections, and advancing our mission in the Coachella Valley.
Get to know the people who guide our chapter and help build a vibrant community of Bears who give back, mentor, and make a difference both locally and at UC Berkeley.
Luisa Armijo, MSW.
Founder & Advisor
Affectionately known as “Mama Bear, ” Luisa is the energetic driving force behind the chartered Cal Bears in the Desert Alumni Chapter in the Coachella Valley. She brings decades of experience as a community organizer, social worker, educator, and tribal librarian, with a lifelong commitment to supporting underserved and underepresented college-bound youth. A proud Cal parent of four graduates, Luisa and her husband, Oscar, first became involved with the university through volunteer and philanthropic activities. Both have served on the Cal Parents Board for 14 years, with Luisa as the Southern California Chair, creating mentoring and job opportunities, and strengthening the Golden Bear network through the Coachella Valley.
Rosemary Bautista, Esq.
President
BA Political Science – Class of ’06
Rosemary’s fondest memories at Cal include the late-night study marathons at Moffic Library with friends and classmates, as well as sampling cuisines from around the world. She is now the Managing Attorney for the Unhoused Advocacy Program at Inland Counties Legal Services, where she represents and advocates for low-income and disabled residents in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Rosemary also serves on the board of the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, which develops affordable single-family and multi-family housing projects through Riverside County.
Maximiliano Ochoa, MPP
Vice-President.
BA Political Science & Ethnic Studies – Class of ’14
Max’s fondest memories at Cal include late-night sessions at Doe Library and cheering on the Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium. Today, Max serves as Project Coordinator for the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, where he collaborates with local governments, nonprofit partners, and community members to protect the region’s scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and unique geologic features. His work focuses on advancing conservation efforts that ensure the Coachella Valley remains a vibrant, healthy place for people and many other life forms that call this special desert home.
Diana Ramirez-Hernandez
Co-Secretary
BA Integrative Biology & Spanish, Class of ’20
Diana’s fondest memories of Cal include strolling through Faculty Glade to admire its beauty and spotting Berkeley’s ever-present squirrels. She graduated in May 2020 with a B.A. in Integrative Biology and Spanish. Diana now works as a Lab Assistant at the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, conducting surveillance to collect and test mosquitoes for viruses. She is passionate about inspiring young people to pursue higher education and follow their passions.
Nilda Ruiz
Co-Secretary
BA Conservation and Resource Studies, Math and Science Education Minor – Class of ’19
Nilda’s fondest memories at Cal include dashing to class on “Berkeley time,” studying abroad in Costa Rica, and sharing fun moments with friends she made along the way. She now works as an Air Pollution Specialist for the California Air Resources Board and volunteers as Executive Assistant with ECV for Change.
Chimayo Amijo
Treasurer
Class of ’14
Chimayo Armijo, a Palm Desert native, graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2014. While at Cal, he was active in the Latino Business Student Association and co-founded the Delta Tau Chapter of Phi Gamma Nu, a co-ed business fraternity. After four years at a Big Four accounting firm, gaining expertise in the healthcare and not-for-profit sectors, he joined Oscar G. Armijo, CPA, in 2018. There, he specialized in audits and financial reviews for federally qualified health centers and other nonprofits, as well as preparing tax and informational returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and tax-exempt organizations. A Certified Public Accountant, Chimayo is committed to using his expertise to promote sustainable economic development in underserved communities.
Eloisa Lopez Valencia
External Relations
BA Public Health – Class of ’19
Eloisa’s fondest memories at Cal are the friendships she formed and the opportunity to attend conferences on the East Coast. She graduated in 2019 with a degree in Public Health and is now a first-year student in a two-year Health Policy & Management MPH program. Before graduate school, Eloisa worked as a research assistant studying health disparities at Boston Medical Center and Brown University. She also volunteers with the Cal Alumni Association as a scholarship chair and is passionate about increasing access and support for students from minoritized communities. In her free time, Eloisa enjoys baking, hiking, and exploring coffee shops.
Martin Mercado
Donor Campaign
BA Comparative Ethnic Studies – Class of ’19
Martin’s fondest memories at Cal include the vibrant Friday noon rush on Sproul Plaza, alive with energy and flyering, as well as tailgating on Game Days. As an investor and blockchain advocate, Martin is passionate about improving lives through philanthropy and community-driven initiatives.
Angel Garcia
Membership
BA Environmental Economics and Policy – Class of ’21
Angel’s fondest memories at Cal include discovering the best food spots, making lasting memories with friends, and spending countless nights studying in the Main Stacks. He graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Economics and Policy. Angel currently works as a consultant at Target Corporation, where he helps assess risk for nonprofit partners. He also serves on UC Berkeley’s LBSA alumni board and is an MBA candidate at CSUSB.
Moisés Moreno-Rivera, M.A.
Parliamentarian
BA Peace & Conflict Studies – Class of ’12
Moisés’ fondest memories at Cal include studying at Café Milano, cheering on Cal football games, and taking in the panoramic views of the Bay Area. In February 2024, he joined the Trust for Public Land’s California team as the Government Affairs Senior Program Manager for Climate Resilience. Previously, Moisés served as Deputy Secretary for Environmental Justice, Tribal Affairs, and Border Relations at the California Environmental Protection Agency, and as Assistant Secretary for Equity and Environmental Justice at the California Natural Resources Agency—both gubernatorial appointments. His lived experiences have deeply shaped his commitment to addressing environmental injustice. In his free time, Moisés enjoys reading at local coffee shops, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family.
Cal Bears in the Desert 