The daughter of migrant farmworkers, Celina was born in Michoacán, Mexico and came to the United States when she was three years old. Both her father and grandfather were a part of the Bracero Program from 1942-1964.

Celina graduated from UCSB with Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Spanish Literature and Hispanic Civilization. She has studied abroad in Cuba, China, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong and England.

Celina L. Zacarias has held the position of Senior Director of Community and Government Relations for California State University Channel Islands, the 23rd campus in the California State University System since 2007. As Director of Community and Government Relations Celina is responsible for advancing California State University Channel Islands’ positive presence and goodwill at all levels throughout the culturally diverse service region, the state, the nation and internationally by planning, directing, and implementing a comprehensive proactive program of community and government relations.