Clarissa Cervantes

Clarissa Cervantes is a mom, businesswoman, and longtime community leader who currently represents Ward 2 on the Riverside City Council. She is the first womxn to ever represent Ward 2, and she is the second Latina/x and the second LGBTQ person ever elected to the Riverside City Council. As a Councilmember, Clarissa has pushed for millions of dollars in necessary road repairs, supported small businesses with microgrants, championed environmental and open space protections, created opportunities for artists to beautify neighborhoods, and voted to expand access to affordable housing. A veteran campaign organizer, Clarissa has worked on presidential, congressional, state legislative, county, and municipal campaigns throughout California. She also served as Chair of the Riverside Transit Agency’s Greater Riverside Transportation NOW Chapter and worked as a Legislative Field Representative to former Riverside Councilmember Andy Melendrez. Clarissa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a concentration in Politics and Government from California State University, Northridge. She is completing her Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning with an emphasis on Planning and Policy at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.