Concord High grad Rebecca Barrett named Contra Costa Woman of the Year
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Mar. 18, 2024) — Rebecca Barrett, president of the Contra Costa County Community College District board, was named Contra Costa County Woman of the Year by State Sen. Bill Dodd.
A graduate of Concord High School, Barrett has been called “a champion of public education, the underserved and first-generation college students” by Dodd, whose district includes Pleasant Hill and Martinez and ranges over parts of six counties.
“Rebecca has an impressive track record of supporting young people from all backgrounds as they fulfill their educational goals,” Sen. Dodd said. “She’s been a staunch advocate for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and has worked tirelessly to improve our campuses and make them accessible to everyone. I’m proud to recognize her for her many achievements.”
“The Contra Costa Community College District changes lives,” Barrett said. “I know because it profoundly changed mine. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone who believes in the transformative power of education.
“I am proud to be part of a community that values and supports the vital role of community colleges in shaping the future. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact, providing opportunities and empowering individuals through accessible and quality education.”
Education
Barrett grew up in Concord and is a product of Contra Costa schools. She graduated from Concord High in 2007 and attended Diablo Valley College before transferring to UCLA, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. She credits smaller class sizes at DVC for giving her the support she needed for dyslexia.
After college, she worked for the California Department of Education, rising to the role of special advisor for state Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson, another Contra Costan. She went on to become deputy district director for Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and then communications director for California Emerging Technology Fund. Last year Barrett took on the same role at Contra Costa Labor Council.
In 2018, she was elected to the Contra Costa Community College Board, where Barrett is the only woman of Mexican heritage.
She has made it a priority to support first-generation college students, ensuring access to counseling, low-cost textbooks and food assistance. She fought to ensure students have access to high-quality career education that will prepare them for good-paying careers.
Jay Bedecarré
Jay Bedecarré is a long-time resident and writer in Concord and Clayton. He began his newspaper writing career while still a senior at Mt. Diablo High School and he has been part of The Pioneer since its inception in 2003. Jay also operates Bay Area Festivals, presenting events around the San Francisco Bay Area including Bay Area KidFest annually in Downtown Concord.