Rita is from Taos, NM. She has won numerous awards as an environmental reporter and her name is recognized throughout the state for her radio work with KUNM Albuquerque, KSFR Santa Fe, and KNCE Taos. She brings her knowledge of current events in natural resources to the CCC program.

Rita completed an A.S. of Pre-Science at UNM-Taos, and a B.S. and M.S. at NMHU.