Luisa Armijo, MSW
Founder, Advisor & Cal Parent
Luisa is known as Mama Bear and the organizing energetic force that developed the chartered Cal Bears in the Desert Alumni Chapter in the Coachella Valley. Luisa brings years of experience as a community organizer, social worker, educator and tribal librarian working with underserved/underrepresented college bound youth. All of Luisa’s four children graduated from CAL where she and her husband, Oscar, began to get involved with campus through volunteer and philanthropic activities. Both have served on the CAL Parents Board for 14 years, with Luisa as the Southern California Chair. Together they continue to provide local CAL scholarships, develop mentoring-job opportunities, and strengthen 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’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). In his career, Steve was a Human Resources and Organizational Development professional. Now, as a retiree in Sun City, Steve enjoys hiking, the performing arts, pickleball, and good food and wine with friends.
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, supporting conservation initiatives that protect the region’s natural and cultural resources. A longtime Cal Bears in the Desert volunteer, Max is passionate about strengthening the connection between UC Berkeley and the Coachella Valley.
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 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. I’m very passionate about people and technology, so I’m excited to focus on student outreach in the Coachella Valley to connect local youth with more opportunities! Go Bears!
Claudia Montiel
Board Member, Cal Parent
My name is Claudia, and I am a mother of 3 amazing boys and a soccer fan at heart: Adrian, a Varsity Soccer Coach and HVAC Tech; Lalo, who just started his 3rd year at Berkeley; and Alejandro, a Senior in High School. I am a very active community member and like to make sure that people find a friendly hand in me. I am currently employed at Desert Sands Unified School District as the Administrative Assistant to the Senior Director of Special Education. I am passionate about my family and have worked really hard to balance and create stability for me and my children. I am focused on finding peace and creating memories. Being a Cal Bear Parent has given me the opportunity to learn a lot more about my son Eduardo “Lalo.” And just as everything else around is, it is time to give back to this amazing community.
