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 & Cal Parent
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 underrepresented 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 Moffitt 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.
Angel Garcia
Vice President
BA Environmental Economics and Policy – Class of ’21
Angel Garcia’s favorite memories at Cal include discovering the best local food spots, creating lifelong friendships, and studying late nights at Main Stacks. Angel currently works as a Risk Consultant at Target Corporation, providing internal solutions that help mitigate nonprofit-related risk within Target’s charitable giving strategy. Angel is currently advancing his education as an MBA candidate at California State University, San Bernardino.
Steve Overcashier
Co-Secretary
BA History – Class of ’75
Steve and his wife, Lynn (class of ’74), moved to Palm Desert in June of 2025 and are excited to have found a new family of Bears with whom to connect. Steve was a member of the Cal Band from 1972-76, a Lair of the Bear camper from 1985 to 2000, and is an avid Cal sports fan (especially rugby). While living in Livermore in the 1980s, Steve was the Eastern Alameda County scholarship co-chair and enjoyed working with CAA and the high schools in the Tri-Valley region. In 1995-96, Steve was the President of the Sacramento Grid Club, working closely with the football and athletic department staffs. In his career, Steve was a Human Resources and Organizational Development professional, working with Fortune 100 executive teams and local governments to manage change and improve leadership talents. Now, as a retiree in Sun City, Steve enjoys hiking, the performing arts, pickleball, and good food and wine with friends.
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.
Maximiliano Ochoa, MPP
Treasurer
BA Political Science & Ethnic Studies – Class of ’14
Max’s favorite memories of Cal include late nights studying at Doe Library and cheering on the Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium. Since graduating, he has continued to build his career and community in the Coachella Valley, where he works as a Project Coordinator for the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy. In his professional role, Max works with local governments, nonprofit organizations, tribal partners, and community stakeholders on projects that protect the Coachella Valley’s natural and cultural resources. His work includes supporting conservation initiatives that help preserve the region’s scenic landscapes, wildlife, open spaces, and unique desert environment for generations to come. A longtime Cal Bears in the Desert volunteer, Max is passionate about strengthening the connection between UC Berkeley and the Coachella Valley. He enjoys helping bring alumni together, supporting students from the region, and creating opportunities for Golden Bears to connect, give back, and stay involved long after graduation.
Chrystabelle Ramirez
Board Member
BA Applied Mathematics – Class of ’19
A true foodie at heart, Chrystabelle’s favorite go-to food spots near the Cal campus are Sliver Pizzeria and Toss Noodle Bar. She studied Applied Mathematics and was involved with the Berkeley United in Literary Development program (BUILD) and the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (SCET). She has continued her passion for technology and now works at PayPal as a Senior Product Manager building payment technology that helps large enterprises move money. Chrystabelle is from Coachella, California and is currently based in New York City.
Kiara Bragg
Board Member
Class of ’24
My name is Kiara, and I am a 2024 graduate from Cal. I majored in Media Studies with a concentration in Digital Studies, and after graduation, I went on to work in digital marketing for a private medical practice. During my time at Berkeley, I was active in consulting clubs on campus, such as BCEC, and interned at Berkeley Haas on the Alumni Relations team. I’m very passionate about people and technology, so I’m super excited to use my skill set to specifically focus on student outreach in the Coachella Valley to connect local youth with more opportunities! My favorite things to do in my free time include playing or watching tennis (I’m an avid fan!), attending live events (music and sports), and spending time with my kids. Go Bears!
Claudia Montiel
Board Member, Cal Parent
Bio pending.
Photo pending
Cal Bears in the Desert 