Cathia joined the Irvine Foundation as a Program Associate in January 2022 for its bold commitment to economic equity. Previously, Cathia worked with the External Affairs team at Tipping Point Community, supporting operational functions to produce fundraising and creative concepts that would deeply engage stakeholders in winning the fight against poverty in the Bay Area.

Prior to that, Cathia served as a Willie Brown Fellow, Research Assistant, and as a Senior Clerk at the San Francisco Human Services Agency. During her time there, she administered public benefit programs such as CalWorks, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal for underserved individuals and families. 

Cathia was raised in Costa Rica and returned to Los Angeles during her teen years. She holds an associate’s degree in Political Science from Pasadena City College, and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University. Cathia is a proud former foster youth and first generation college graduate.