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Corinna Contreras is a public policy enthusiast who wholeheartedly believes in the power of community-based decision-making.
As a lifelong resident of Vista, Corinna enjoys the endless experiences San Diego County provides from summer snorkeling at La Jolla Cove to chasing super blooms at Anza Borrego and everything in between.
At the University of California, Santa Barbara she earned her B.A. in Film & Media/Sociology.
After receiving her Permaculture Design Certification from the San Diego Sustainable Living Institute her interest in regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and traditional ecological knowledge grew. She tapped into the local food system to understand how to be more impactful. For her efforts, she was picked as one of 100 idea ambassadors for Berry Good Food Foundation's Berry Good Night 100.
This new knowledge of food systems, policy, and California native plants activated Corinna. Local civic engagement became her focus and soon she became the first Latina and first LGBTQIA Councilmember of the City of Vista. She was then awarded "Woman of the Year" by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath.
Corinna understands that her many experiences are privileges materialized from deep colonial systems that perpetuate opportunity for some at the expense of many, a reality that must be acknowledged.