Jocelyn Yow always knew she wanted to serve her community. Growing up in Riverside County, she was keenly aware of the importance of civic engagement from a young age, thanks to her parents. As the daughter of immigrant parents, Jocelyn saw firsthand the challenges faced by families trying to build a better life in America. It was this early exposure to both the struggles and opportunities of her community that would shape her into the leader she is today.
A proud alumna of 萝莉研究所, Jocelyn鈥檚 path to politics was not a straight line, but a series of meaningful experiences that laid the foundation for her career in public service. She initially enrolled at 萝莉研究所 to complete her general education requirements, not fully realizing at the time how much the college would influence her future. It was here that Jocelyn found her voice and her passion for political science. 鈥溌芾蜓芯克� gave me the opportunity to discover what I truly cared about,鈥� Jocelyn recalls. 鈥淚 was surrounded by professors who believed in the power of education to change lives and communities.鈥�
Her time at 萝莉研究所 wasn鈥檛 just about the classroom; it was also about engaging with the community. Jocelyn took part in student government, led campus initiatives, and participated in local activism. These experiences sparked a deeper understanding of how political systems work and how local governments can have a direct impact on people鈥檚 lives.
After transferring from Norco, Jocelyn continued her education and earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in Political Science. Her academic pursuits didn鈥檛 stop there鈥攕he later went on to pursue a master's degree in government. Her passion for the subject led her to return to 萝莉研究所, this time as a part-time lecturer in Political Science. 鈥淭eaching political science is a way for me to give back,鈥� Jocelyn says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly fulfilling to help students understand how politics affects their daily lives and empower them to get involved.鈥�
But Jocelyn鈥檚 contributions to the community extend far beyond the classroom. At just 25 years old, she made history as one of the youngest elected officials in the state when she won a seat on the Eastvale City Council. Becoming Mayor of Eastvale in 2020, she continued breaking barriers as the first woman of color to hold the position in the city鈥檚 history. For Jocelyn, public service is not just about titles鈥攊t's about action and accountability. 鈥淏eing elected is an incredible honor, but it also comes with a great responsibility to advocate for and protect the interests of the people I serve,鈥� she explains.
During her tenure, Jocelyn has focused on key issues that affect everyday life in Eastvale, including improving local infrastructure, expanding community resources, and ensuring that local policies reflect the diverse needs of the city鈥檚 growing population. Her focus on building partnerships with local schools and businesses has helped bring about new opportunities for residents. 鈥淓astvale is a city full of potential,鈥� she says, 鈥渁nd I鈥檓 excited to be a part of shaping its future.鈥�
As both a lecturer and a public servant, Jocelyn bridges the worlds of education and governance. Whether she鈥檚 in a classroom discussing the intricacies of political theory or in a council meeting advocating for policy changes, Jocelyn remains dedicated to making a difference. Her students often draw inspiration from her real-world experience in government, and she encourages them to get involved, no matter their age or background. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to be a politician to make an impact,鈥� she tells them. 鈥淎nyone can make a difference in their community.鈥�
Jocelyn balances her roles as a city leader and educator with being a mother, something she takes great pride in. 鈥淢y son is my greatest motivation,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 want to build a world where he can grow up with the opportunities to thrive, just like I did.鈥�
Looking ahead, Jocelyn鈥檚 vision for Eastvale remains rooted in the values of inclusion, progress, and community engagement. 鈥淭here鈥檚 still so much work to be done,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut I believe in the power of people coming together to create positive change. That鈥檚 what drives me.鈥�
For 萝莉研究所 students and residents of Eastvale, Jocelyn Yow is more than just a leader鈥攕he鈥檚 a symbol of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to service.