Ofelia Fitzpatrick, originally from Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, moved to the United States with her family as part of a significant life transition, driven by her father's prior efforts to establish a stable livelihood and secure their immigration status in California. Her upbringing, divided between Rialto and Guadalajara, offered her a profound insight into the immigrant experience, especially the educational challenges posed by language and cultural differences.

A proud alumna of California State University, San Bernardino, Ofelia, along with her siblings, was deeply influenced by the university's forward-thinking approach to the inclusion of Latinos in education. This inspiration led all five siblings to embrace careers in education, underscoring their collective commitment to learning and teaching as fundamental pillars of social justice and resistance.

For Ofelia, faith, family, and education are not just personal values but cornerstones of societal change. With a career spanning over four decades, she has been a stalwart figure in the Rialto educational community, dedicating herself to various educational roles with unwavering passion and commitment. Her journey reflects a lifelong dedication to fostering growth, understanding, and opportunity within her community.