With a background in Visual Communications from San Francisco State University, Larisa Ocañada brings a creative and strategic approach to marketing, communications, and community engagement.
She oversees marketing, events, and communications for the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA). Prior to joining SAMCEDA, Larisa developed and managed content & digital marketing initiatives for FRONTEO, a legal technology company.
Beyond her professional work, Larisa contributes her time and expertise to civic and community initiatives.
She currently serves as a Commissioner on the County of San Mateo’s Commission on the Status of Women, where Larisa leverages her skills in the planning and execution of Women’s Equality Day and community events, as well as other initiatives that help advance the Commission’s mission to improve the quality of life for women of all ages in San Mateo County. Her work includes event branding, outreach, coordination, and the development of communication materials.
Larisa is also a current member of KQED’s Community Advisory Panel (CAP), helping bring community voices and perspectives to the KQED staff, leadership, and the Board of Directors. As a CAP member, she developed and moderated “Food as Story: The Bay Area Food, Culture, and ‘Check, Please!’,” a fireside session at the 2026 KQED Fest event. During the discussion, she interviewed KQED food storytellers to explore how food shapes and reflects culture, identity, and community throughout the Bay Area.
Her civic engagement includes participation in the County of San Mateo’s Immigration Integration & Inclusion Strategic Steering Committee (where she also co-chaired the Community Engagement and Economic Development Subcommittee) and on the College of San Mateo’s President’s Advisory Committee.
Larisa is a graduate of Chamber San Mateo County’s Leadership Program and Leadership Council San Mateo County’s inaugural Emerging Leaders Program. She previously served on the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council, where she played an instrumental role in developing and shaping the program’s curriculum and supporting the growth of future community leaders in San Mateo County.
She has contributed as a pro bono researcher to Industrial Design Outreach (iDo)’s Creativity: A Quick Guide and participated on Prezi’s Advisory Committee. She has volunteered at events that support important causes including: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA)’s Dining by Design benefit, Kultivate Lab’s Hiraya fundraiser, and KQED Fest’s community event.
Additionally, Larisa’s art pieces have been recognized at the California State Fair and featured at the County of San Mateo’s Women’s View art exhibition.
Through her professional, civic, and volunteer work, Larisa is committed to building stronger connections, elevating diverse voices, and advancing opportunities throughout the Bay Area.
