Puente and the South Coast fires (Rita Mancera)

On Aug 30, our guest speaker was Rita Mancera. She is the Deputy Executive Director of Puente, a community resource center which serves the area of the San Mateo coast that is currently heavily affected by forest fires. Rita joined Puente in 2006, working on early childhood development programs. She has worked in several positions since then, overseeing programs including immigration, physical activity, education, and youth leadership. She is currently Puente’s Deputy Executive Director where she is responsible for integrating all aspects of Puente’s programs and activities. Rita’s goals are to continue closing the gap in education, increasing youth services, expanding the development of local leadership, and supporting local families in moving out of poverty.