Marcelina migrated to Riverbank, California from Mexico in 1990. It was in Riverbank where she worked with her family picking raspberries and quickly realized that getting an education was what she needed to forever change her life. She attended Sacramento State University in 2001 and was participated in the Educational Opportunity Program and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) where she later became their Outreach Counselor. She obtained her Masters of Science in Counseling from Sacramento State University in 2007, where she particiated in the Migrant Educational Advising Programs and was elected Honorary Student of the Year and Commencement Speaker. In December 2007, Marcelina was featured in People en Español where she was granted a $10,000 grant for the CAMP programs as Maybelline New York, Women inspiring Through Education Award. She has dedicated her life in inspiring students to achieve their highest potential through various outreach programs at Sacramento State and Utah Valley University. Marcelina continues to be a life long learner and a motivational speaker to students.