"I grew up in a family business my entire life — from working at the swap meet to now my family having concession Mexican food stands up and down California in fairs and festivals," she said. "I look back at this work as the foundation of my desire of working with people. This work taught me people come from so many backgrounds. This also taught me the value of hard work and to never let others dictate your journey."

Rima has been working on campus for 13 years, but also worked here as a student assistant while an undergraduate.

She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master’s in education leadership.

"I always knew I wanted to work with people," she said. "I wanted to provide them support and a listening ear. It was not until I started working as a student assistant that I realized I wanted to work in higher education."

With two sisters who also work on campus, she feels at home at the University and finds her work very rewarding.

Serving as reading services alternate media coordinator, she coordinates and adapts a wide variety of instructional and related materials into a format that are accessible by students within Services for Students with Disabilities. She also ensures that learning materials comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"'Accessible' means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use," she said.

While still a student, she realized she wanted to work with students to be their motivator and their support.

"My position gives me the responsibility to give students the opportunity to equally participate in a learning environment," she said. "I love when a student who had no belief in their own capabilities leaves with feeling the ability they can tackle anything. When, they come to me and say, 'Rima, I’m going to graduate…' I have to be honest that is by far my favorite part of this job. I love the students and they remind me why I’m here each day!"

She strives to ensure that students are able to participate and engage in the classroom without any barriers.

"So many students in our office have faced countless barriers to get them where they are today," she said. "I want them to know I care for their success in college and I’m here to provide the support they need to be successful."

She values the mentoring relationships she has built with her student assistants.

"I want them to know they also have a home at Fresno State and someone in their corner," she said. "I love to see them grow and see their dreams come true."

Rima serves in many roles on campus. She's a commissioner member for the President's Commission on Human Relations and Equity (PCHRE) and a resource team member for A Strategic Plan for Inclusion, Respect and Equity (ASPIRE).

"PCHRE supports and gives light to the importance in understanding diversity," she said. "Each person matters and bringing this understanding to our campus results in student success."

In all her roles, she functions as an ally to students with disabilities.

"I believe understanding where our students come from gives us the key to help them succeed as individuals but also as our next leaders," she said. "My passion in diversity goes further than just Fresno State students; my passion is working with the entire campus community. "

She is also involved with Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$), a CSU Chancellor's initiative that enables faculty to choose and provide quality educational content that is more affordable for students.

In addition, she serves on the Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) Instructional Materials Subcommittee and is involved with Creativity and Innovation for Excellence (CAIFE) program.

When she has down time, she loves to craft.

"A few years ago I finally built a craft room in my home. I love to make hair bows and like to make scrapbooks," she said.

She also enjoys traveling with family and friends and considers herself a foodie who loves finding great places to eat.

Married to husband Rick for almost 13 years, she lives in Sanger with two daughters: Amira, who is 13 years old, and Nariyah, who is seven years old.

Her family's dogs are two Shih Tzus, brothers, named Bow Tie and Tuxedo.