Rita Mancera grew up in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur.

Rita joined Puente in 2006 with responsibilities for home visiting families with children ages 0-5 to talk with parents about early childhood development. In 2016, Rita became Puente’s Executive Director.

Rita’s goals for the community are to continue closing the gap in education for children, youth and adults, increasing services so youth can succeed academically and personally, expanding the development of local leadership and supporting local individuals and families to move out and stay out of poverty.

Rita lives in Pescadero with her husband Jim and son William. In her free time, she likes to be outdoors, read, cook and learn about different topics.