Meet the Economic Development Team

Ashley Zaragoza

Economic Development Manager

(951) 279-3519  |  Ashley.Zaragoza@CoronaCA.gov  

Ashley Zaragoza is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Corona. She is passionate about serving the Corona community and implementing programs and projects that are key to economic resiliency and success. She also conducts real estate and development transactions on behalf of the City and is leading efforts to implementing the Corona Downtown Revitalization Plan. Her previous experience includes working for Mayor Eric Garcetti in his Office of Public Safety as a Grant Specialist. Working primarily on homeland security and public safety projects, she was recognized by Mayor Garcetti in 2017 for executing the completion of the first emergency management and counterterrorism training facility for the State of California. In 2018, she started working for Anaheim Workforce Development as a Staff Analyst and Business Services Supervisor, offering supportive services to employers and building career pipelines with job seekers. In 2021, she began working for Corona and served as the Economic Development Administrator for business retention and expansion. Throughout her career, Ashley has worked towards building career pathways, developing strong private-public partnerships, and establishing workforce initiatives to aide in the retention and expansion of local employers and creation of job opportunities with living wages for the community. She was promoted to the Economic Development Manager in 2024 and is leading efforts to revitalize the downtown and supporting development within the City of Corona.

Ashley Zaragoza received her Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University in 2013, with a double major in Government and Sociology and a quadruple minor in Law & Society, Inequality, FGSS, and Science & Technology Studies. She received her Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California in 2017.

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Elisa Laurel

Economic Development Administrator

(951) 736-2295 | Elisa.Laurel@CoronaCa.Gov

Elisa is the Economic Development Administrator for the City of Corona. She is a results-driven Economic Development professional with nearly 15 years of experience in economic development, marketing and government relations. Her work has spanned both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and she continues to be a passionate advocate for the business community by connecting private industry to community assets, workforce strengths and strategic location.

Prior to working for Corona, Elisa served as the Chief of Staff for City of Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, where she orchestrated a dynamic team that secured over $300 million in state and federal dollars to address needs in infrastructure, homelessness, economic and workforce development. Under her leadership, the team established award-winning programs for combatting homelessness and enhancing beautification efforts throughout the city. She was instrumental in activating the mayor’s strategic vision for the River District through the advocacy and transformation of a Historic Armory in Fairmount Park, which resulted in $2.5 Million in federal funds and was further amplified by media coverage from NBC. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff for Mayor Lock Dawson, she was the Public Information Officer for the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) where she led strategic communications and external relations. Before WRCOG she spearheaded business attraction, retention and expansion efforts at San Bernardino County's Economic Development Agency and facilitated the creation of over 3,000 jobs and assisted businesses with obtaining over $4.3 million in tax credits. She has also worked at UC Riverside’s School of Medicine and helped launch the very first accredited medical school in Riverside County. Lastly, she kicked off her career working for Riverside County's Economic Development Agency.

Elisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University of San Bernardino, as well as a Master’s in Corporate Real estate designation through CoreNet Global. As an Inland Southern California Native, Elisa served as the Inland Empire, Vice President for the Southern California Chapter of CoreNet, was a member of the Inland Empire Programs Committee for NAIOP Southern California and is a graduate of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership’s Leadership Academy.

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Mariam Rojo

Management Analyst II

(951) 739-4946  |  Mariam.Rojo@CoronaCa.gov

Mariam brings over 15 years of experience in economic development, workforce services, and public information, with a strong track record of leading strategic initiatives and fostering community growth. As a Management Analyst II with the City of Corona, she specializes in project management, marketing, communication, and stakeholder engagement, driving initiatives that enhance the city’s economic development and community success. Before joining Corona, Mariam served as a Public Information Officer at Caltrans, overseeing communications for infrastructure projects from inception to completion. She played a key role in keeping the public informed about project developments, impacts, and timelines. Additionally, as an Economic Development Coordinator for San Bernardino County, she championed sustainable economic growth by implementing initiatives that promoted long-term prosperity and established strategic partnerships to drive innovation and investment.

Mariam’s expertise extends to workforce development and job creation, having collaborated with businesses and community organizations through her work with the City of Anaheim and Goodwill to create meaningful employment opportunities. She holds a Master of Public Administration from California Baptist University and certifications in Project Management and Human Resources Management from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from California State University, Long Beach. Throughout her career, Mariam has remained dedicated to fostering community growth, building strong partnerships, and advancing economic prosperity.

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Karla Raiz-Anaya

Economic Development Assistant

(951) 739-4997  |  Karla.Raiz-Anaya@CoronaCa.gov

Karla is the Economic Development Assistant for Corona’s Office of Economic Development. She is excited about finding ways to serve the local business community and foster a thriving economy in Corona. Prior to joining the public sector, Karla worked at a non-profit in the San Francisco Bay Area that helped connect underserved populations to essential resources needed to increase their wellbeing. Karla’s introduction to Economic Development was through her academic experiences and research. After taking various public policy courses and working as a graduate student researcher for Economic and Community Development professors, she recognized her passion for strategic planning and the importance of supporting Economic Development efforts for cities.

She received her B.A. in Public Policy and her Master’s in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside. She remains dedicated to deepening her understanding of Corona’s local economy and learn how to best support Corona’s expanding workforce.

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