Meet the Board of Education
Meet the Board of Education
Maritza Travanti brings decades of leadership, public service, and operational experience to her role as President of the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education. First elected in 2018 to represent Trustee Area 5, she has earned a reputation for thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to putting students first.
Maritza recently retired after a distinguished 35-year career with the Internal Revenue Service, where she served as Chief of Operations and Program Support. In that executive leadership role, she directed complex operational programs, workforce planning, policy implementation, strategic initiatives, and organizational change across one of the nation's largest federal agencies. The experience she gained leading large organizations and managing complex challenges continues to guide her work as a school board trustee.
A proud Monrovia Unified recent graduate, Maritza believes deeply in the life-changing power of public education. Her daughter graduated from Monrovia High School in 2024 and is currently pursuing a degree in Bioengineering with an emphasis in Medical Devices at Santa Clara University. Watching her daughter's educational journey has reinforced Maritza's commitment to ensuring every student has access to opportunities that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.
Long before joining the Board of Education, Maritza dedicated countless volunteer hours serving Monrovia schools. She served as School Site Council Chair at Bradoaks Elementary, School Site Council Vice Chair at Clifton Middle School, and PTA Auditor at both Bradoaks Elementary and Clifton Middle School. Those experiences gave her first-hand insight into the importance of strong partnerships among students, families, educators, and the community.
Beyond her work with the school district, Maritza remains deeply engaged in civic service. She is active in the Monrovia Rotary Club, where she continues her lifelong commitment to strengthening the community through volunteerism and service.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Maritza believes effective leadership begins with listening, collaboration, transparency, and accountability. She is committed to supporting academic excellence, responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, and creating opportunities that help every student thrive.
She may be contacted at [email protected].
Selene Lockerbie is a Southern California native. Selene and her family are proud, long-time residents of Monrovia, and her children have been enrolled in Monrovia Unified Schools since pre-school.
Ms. Lockerbie is a Girl Scout leader and Service Unit volunteer, has served on School Site Council, PTA Board, and has been a volunteer at several different schools in the District. She is a graduate of two Masters in Governance courses – Foundations of Effective Governance and Student Learning & Achievement.
She was elected to the School Board in November of 2018 and continues to work passionately with students, parents, teachers, community members, and her fellow Board members to make Monrovia Schools exemplary.
Contact by email at [email protected].
Trustee Area 3
Term 2022 - 2026
Daniel Gomez Tagle, Board Clerk
Daniel Gomez Tagle and his family have proudly called Monrovia home for nearly a decade. He is a devoted father of two sons. One is currently enrolled in the Monrovia Unified School District and the other is a freshman at Santa Clara University, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
With extensive experience in both private and public schools across Southern California, Mr. Gomez Tagle has developed a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds. As a coach for local leagues such as M.Y.B.L. and S.A.L.L., he has fostered meaningful connections within the community and is deeply committed to empowering Monrovia’s youth and supporting their families.
Mr. Gomez Tagle holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from California State University, Los Angeles. He is passionate about integrating technology into education to better prepare students for the rapidly evolving job market and ensure they are equipped with the skills necessary for future success.
Contact by email at [email protected].
Trustee Area 1
Term 2024 - 2028
Michael Ocon is a passionate advocate for educational equity, community partnership, and expanding opportunities for children and families. A proud member of the Monrovia community and a first-generation college graduate, he believes every student deserves access to the opportunities, resources, and support necessary to thrive—regardless of background, income, citizenship status, identity, or academic trajectory.
Michael earned a B.A. in English Literature from Stanford University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. His professional experience spans education, public policy, disaster recovery, communications, and community engagement. He has worked on local, state, and federal campaigns and previously served as a communications and political consultant focused on advancing educational equity and youth empowerment.
Professionally, Michael serves as Executive Director of the Eaton Fire Collaborative, the Long-Term Recovery Group coordinating survivor-centered recovery following the Eaton Fire. Michael is among the youngest executives in the country leading a Long-Term Recovery Group. Under his leadership, the Collaborative convenes more than 200 nonprofit, faith-based, philanthropic, community, and government partners to coordinate disaster case management, unmet needs assistance, housing stabilization, rebuilding support, wellness initiatives, and other long-term recovery efforts for fire-impacted families and communities.
Michael also serves as Board Chair of College Access Plan, a Pasadena-based nonprofit providing no-cost college and career readiness programming to students and families. He previously served as Manager of Community Partnerships & Communications at Collaborate PASadena, where he supported regional initiatives focused on children, families, and community well-being.
As a member of the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education, Michael is committed to strong academic outcomes, responsible and transparent governance, and ensuring students and families remain at the center of district decision-making. He believes there are no limits to what students can accomplish when schools provide equitable opportunities, high expectations, and meaningful support.
Contact: [email protected]
Rob Hammond was first elected to the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education in November 2011. He recently served as the President of the board. Mr. Hammond served the community as Mayor and City Councilmember, supporting the collaborative efforts of the City of Monrovia and Monrovia Unified School District. He was a founding member of Monrovia Reads, started the Y.E.S. (Youth Employment Services) Program to provide paid summer internships for Monrovia youth, and spearheaded the creation of string music classes. He believes that strong schools are the backbone of the community and should offer learning opportunities that meet the growing demands of a changing world.
Mr. Hammond was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. He moved to Monrovia in 1986 and has been a local business owner for 25 years. He is married with two children who attended Monrovia schools.
Contact by email at [email protected].
Trustee Area 4
Term 2024 - 2028