Corina Villaraigosa

Corina Villaraigosa

1983, Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies, CSULB

While Corina (ko-ree-na) Villaraigosa (vee-yah-ray-go-sa) was completing her bachelor’s of arts degree in Liberal Studies in 1983 and her teaching credential in 1984, she became inspired to dedicate her life to working with children.

In 1984, Corina became a teacher in the Montebello Unified School District. She now works to educate English-learners from low socio-economic backgrounds and ensures that they receive appropriate academic instruction and support.

Corina was appointed in 2005 to the First 5 Los Angeles Commission by LA County board of supervisor Gloria Molina. The 13-person commission oversees $209 million in annual funding for early childhood development, health and education programs in the county. The Pico Rivera native of Mexican working class immigrants also serves as a board member for the Center Theater Group and the Orthopedic Hospital Foundation.

She earned her master’s of arts in education from Cal State Los Angeles. In 1987, she married Antonio Villaraigosa, now mayor of Los Angeles, former assemblyman and Los Angeles city councilman. They have two children, Natalia, age 13; and Antonio, Jr., age 17.   The mayor often says that she is the glue that binds the family together and is the calming force in his hectic public life.

From Alumni Awards 2006 program