Dr. Mari Riojas-Cortez. Courtesy photo.
CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) Professor Mari Riojas-Cortez has been appointed to the Ventura County First 5 Commission, where she will help guide efforts to support the health, development and well-being of young children and their families throughout the county.
Riojas-Cortez is chair of the Early Childhood Studies program in CSUCI’s School of Education. She brings decades of experience in early childhood education, including teaching, research and work supporting young children and their families.
“I started out in 1988 as a bilingual prekindergarten teacher in a public school in Texas and have spent my whole career working to support young children and their families in different capacities,” Riojas-Cortez said. “I want to bring that experience to the First 5 Ventura County Commission.”
The nine-member commission, appointed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, oversees First 5 Ventura County and provides leadership and direction for programs and initiatives that promote the well-being of children from birth through age five. Funded primarily through California’s tobacco tax revenues, First 5 supports early childhood health, education, development and family-strengthening programs, with an emphasis on giving children a strong foundation for lifelong success.
“My research on Latinx family partnerships and young dual language learners has taught me how much culturally sustaining, evidence-based programs matter,” Riojas-Cortez said. “I would love to help shape decisions that support young children right here in Ventura County. Serving on this commission is a natural extension of the work I have been involved in since entering the field of early childhood education.”
Riojas-Cortez’s appointment began Sept. 1, 2026, and runs through Jan. 8, 2029.
About Cal State Channel Islands
Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is Ventura County’s only public university. Opened in 2002, CSUCI is part of the California State University — the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system. Located near Camarillo, the campus serves more than 4,800 students across more than 90 academic programs. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, CSUCI is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education for its commitment to excellence and opportunity. Learn more at www.csuci.edu or follow @csuci on social media.