Indio Woman Named RivCo Confidential Employee Of The Year 2025

INDIO, CA —A Palm Springs Unified School District employee was named among the final group of 2025 Riverside County Educators of the Year, according to the Riverside County Office of Education.

According to a recent news release, Erika Barrigan of Palm Springs Unified School District was awarded the Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year.

"She is known for her integrity, highly respected and highly relied upon," Dr. Edwin Gomez said at the surprise visit.

Barraan described the surprise visit

“I am a product of this district. I graduated from Palm Springs High School and grew up in Desert Hot Springs. I’m really happy to be here at the district giving back to the community that I grew up in."

Dr. Edwin Gomez spoke on educators and support staff, like Barrigan, who are regularly making a difference.

"All of our 2025 Educators of the Year exemplify what it takes to serve the needs of students and families in our public schools,” Gomez said. “Ensuring the success of students inside the classroom and on their journey to become healthy, productive citizens in their community requires a team approach. From school counselors and classified staff members to teachers and administrators, we are excited to honor that collaboration and commitment with every surprise visit and award.”

Erika Barragan has served in her role at Palm Springs Unified School District since 2021, where she is a key liaison for the district and the superintendent’s office with multiple groups of people, including community organizations, state agencies, the board of education, district staff, and more. Recently, she led the district’s implementation of Assembly Bill 275, which authorized stipends for student board members. This process included researching, creating, and leading to the passage of district policy that amplifies student voices within the district, according to the release.

Previously, she served as the first executive assistant for the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) and was instrumental in the formation and development of the new state agency. Her colleagues describe her as having “a natural ability to assess the pros and cons of any decision and to offer wise advice.” Erika is a resident of Indio.

All honorees will be recognized at the 2025 Celebrating Educators Luncheon set for May 13, at the Riverside Convention Center.