Frank and Eloise Reyes Biographies
Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes was born and raised in Colton, attended Colton High School and San Bernardino Valley College, eventually transferring to USC. She worked up to three jobs while she worked her way through college. She received her law degree from Loyola Law School and not long after, became the first Latina to open her own law office in the Inland Empire.
As a 12-year-old Eloise struggled alongside her family, working every summer in the fields picking onions and grapes. She worked hard to earn money to pay for her school clothes, but this early experience provided the strong work ethic that defines her today. “This work helped me to appreciate the work of so many others who, even today, must work long and hard hours to support their family.”
Eloise’s volunteer work and leadership in the community started long before she became an attorney –she started a youth drill team in Colton when she was 16 and volunteered with in-school scouting and taught Catechism.
She learned early in her life that her passion was to help others and she knew that as an attorney, she could help those who needed protection and assistance.
Before her recent election to the California Assembly, Eloise spent her legal career helping injured workers. Her private practice includes workers’ compensation and personal injury. In addition to her very busy practice, Eloise unselfishly dedicated much time, treasures, and talents to helping the indigent. She was a member of the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association, which has Legal Aid Clinics in the Inland Empire, where she volunteered for over 30 years. Recently, Eloise was named Attorney of the Year for her unequaled hours of volunteer work.
Most recently, Eloise was an Adjunct Professor at Cal Poly Pomona teaching Ethnic Identity: Latin@s, Politics, and Law.
Eloise was a co-founder of the Inland Empire Community Health Center in Bloomington and was active on many Boards including the Children’s’ Spine Foundation, Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Assoc., SBVC Foundation Board, The Brightest Star Foundation (for foster youth), and the National Orange Show Board of Directors. Eloise was also commissioned for a five-year term as an advocate with the Mexican Consulate for San Bernardino, California.
Eloise has received countless awards and honors over the years including Community College League of California Distinguished Alumna, the Barbara Jordan Award for Leadership, SBVC 75th Anniversary Distinguished Alumna Award, Democrat of the Year 2015, Community Hero Against Gun Violence Award, and the Imagen Foundation Award.
Since becoming our newest Assemblymember, Eloise was appointed Chair of the Assembly Legislative Ethics Committee and was also appointed to the Special Committee on the Confirmation of Xavier Becerra as Attorney General. Additionally, she has been appointed to various important Committees: Appropriations, Judiciary, Labor, Privacy and Utilities and Energy.
Eloise’s passion and commitment to the community will bring resources and opportunities to San Bernardino county. She will continue to be a leader –fighting alongside those who seek a better community and a better world.
College Trustee Frank G. Reyes was elected to the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 1 in the most recent election. Frank has been an advocate for higher education and will continue to expand opportunities for our students.
Recognizing the importance of education, Frank shares, “A quality education is the best gift we can give our students and they all deserve the opportunity to learn in a safe and stimulating environment.”
Frank’s passion for the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) includes many years working for our students, faculty and staff.
Frank received his Bachelor of Arts from California State University, San Bernardino in Spanish (minor: Business Administration). He continued his education at CSUSB and received his Master of Arts in Counseling (with Pupil Personnel Credential). In addition to various other credentials, Frank enrolled at Nova University and completed his EdD coursework (short of his dissertation).
Although Frank began his professional career at CSUSB as the Outreach Coordinator for the EOP Program, he completed his career working for the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD). Frank worked at San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills College and the SBCCD for 33 years in various capacities including Professor with EOPS Program, Counselor, Head of Counseling Department, Community Services Administrator and Associate Vice Chancellor Governmental Affairs.
During his final 12 years in Governmental Affairs, Frank had the honor of working with colleagues and elected officials, receiving over $120 million in federal grants (Departments of Education, Commerce, Labor, Defense, FEMA and others); and the only grant in the Western U.S. for Nanotechnology. He saw the needs, sought the appropriate funds and succeeded. SBCCD was considered a top recipient of federal grants in California.
Frank has received many awards for his work. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, an international organization, recognized Frank with the P. Gus Cardenas Award for his leadership in higher education, Most Influential Governmental Advocate of the Year, selected as one of 15 to represent the U.S in Spain because of his leadership, traveled to China with a select group on business and educational exchange and was part of the Department of Defense/HACU Leadership Council on Higher Education.
In addition to his work with the SBCCD, he was also the Executive Director for the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Foundation where he served for 3 years.
Frank understands how the system works and will work to bring the funds back to the students. Frank will continue to work with those committed to the students, faculty, staff and community.
Often referred to as the “Power Couple,” Frank and Eloise have been married for 36 years. They have a son, Kristofer, who is a college student.
