The Lynwood Unified School District Personnel Commission is an independent body responsible for overseeing the administration of the District’s Merit System for classified employees.
Established under the California Education Code, the Commission is composed of three members who are appointed for staggered three-year terms. As outlined by state law, the Personnel Commission ensures fair and equitable treatment of classified employees and applicants by upholding principles of merit, efficiency, and equal opportunity in employment practices.
The Commission is charged with establishing and maintaining rules related to recruitment, selection, promotion, and disciplinary actions for classified staff. It works collaboratively with the District’s Human Resources Department while maintaining its autonomy to ensure that employment decisions are made based on qualifications and merit.
Maria Quiñonez, Chairperson - CSEA Appointee
Term: Expires 2026
Ms. Maria Quiñonez is a dedicated and active member of the Lynwood community, serving in multiple roles that reflect her commitment to public service and community advancement.
She is currently the City Clerk for the City of Lynwood, an elected position where she plays a vital role in local governance. Additionally, she has served as a Commissioner on the Lynwood Unified School District Personnel Commission since her appointment in 2003.
As both a resident and a professional in Lynwood, Ms. Quiñonez is deeply invested in the betterment of the community. Her work in various capacities demonstrates her unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life in Lynwood through leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement.
In her capacity as a Personnel Commissioner, Ms. Quiñonez continually seeks to improve existing processes, advocating for progress and efficiency through teamwork and strategic collaboration. She brings a wealth of experience and a proactive approach to her role, always striving to support initiatives that promote the growth and success of the district.
Ms. Quiñonez is also committed to professional growth and learning, as evidenced by her participation in the distinguished Merit Academy. She is an active member of the California School Personnel Commissioners Association (CSPCA) and regularly attends seminars and conferences to stay informed and enhance her skills. Her dedication to the field is further reflected in her past service on the Nomination Committee for the CSPCA Southern California Regional Board and her involvement on the CSPCA State Board.
In addition to her longstanding service with the Personnel Commission, Ms. Quiñonez was recently re-elected to continue her role as City Clerk for Lynwood. This re-election underscores her ongoing commitment to public service and community leadership, further solidifying her reputation as a dedicated and impactful figure in Lynwood.
Erika Rojas Parada is a passionate and dedicated educator in the beauty industry, with an extensive career spanning over 20 years. Known for her commitment to excellence, Erika has made significant contributions to the professional development of aspiring beauty specialists.
She has served as the Director of Education and Campus Director at El School of Professional Makeup, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and guiding students through their educational journeys. Erika’s expertise goes beyond the classroom; she has been a constant mentor to students, offering hands-on training, personalized guidance, and invaluable industry insights.
Throughout her career, Erika has demonstrated a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of beauty professionals. She takes pride in the fact that many of her former students have gone on to become successful in various sectors of the beauty industry, from makeup artistry to skincare and aesthetics.
In addition to her work as an educator, Erika is the Co-Owner and Licensed Aesthetician at Vida y Alma House of Beauty, where she continues to share her knowledge and expertise in skincare and aesthetics. Her role as an entrepreneur allows her to apply her practical experience while fostering a space for clients to experience the highest level of care and beauty treatments. Through Vida y Alma, she provides both aesthetic services and professional guidance to individuals seeking to enhance their beauty expertise.
A proud resident of Lynwood since 2018, Erika is deeply committed to her local community. She actively seeks ways to give back by sharing her knowledge and empowering others. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborations, she is continually working to elevate the standards of beauty practices and provide opportunities for local individuals to thrive in the beauty industry.
Erika's work is driven by a passion for both her craft and her community. With a combination of practical skills, academic excellence, and a compassionate, mentorship-driven approach, she has become a respected figure in the beauty industry—constantly innovating and uplifting others along the way.
Jason Marquez, Commissioner - Board Appointee
Term: Expires 2027
Jason Marquez is a dedicated member of the Lynwood community and a proud homeowner who has called this city home for the past 15 years. Throughout his time in Lynwood, Jason has remained deeply committed to not only his professional growth but also to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those around him.
This year marks a significant milestone in Jason’s career as he celebrates his 25th anniversary as a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines. His career in aviation has provided him with the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, broaden his global perspective, and understand the importance of service in every aspect of life. Despite the demands of his profession, Jason has always believed in giving back to his community and making a positive difference wherever he goes.
Even before his successful career in aviation, Jason had a deep passion for community service. Whether he is traveling for work or at home in Lynwood, he prioritizes staying active and contributing to the well-being of his neighbors. His volunteer efforts have been an integral part of his life, and he firmly believes in the importance of community engagement.
Jason is also a proud graduate of Pasadena City College, where he gained valuable skills and knowledge that helped shape his career path. His educational background has been a foundation for his personal growth, and he continues to value lifelong learning and self-improvement.
Outside of his professional and community endeavors, Jason enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending quality time with his friends and family. Whether he’s on an international flight or relaxing at home in Lynwood, Jason cherishes the moments that allow him to connect with the people he cares about most.
With his rich experience in aviation, unwavering dedication to service, and commitment to his community, Jason Marquez embodies the values of hard work, generosity, and a passion for making the world a better place—both at home and around the globe.
