Born in Tijuana, Mexico, she is a proud first-generation immigrant who grew up in the San Diego -Tijuana region and has made South County her home. Raised by two exceptional hard-working parents, Eduardo, and Elizabeth Vargas, who she considers the coolest, most encouraging, and supportive parents on earth.
Her angel mom passed away very suddenly of cancer fifteen years ago, and her father died in 2022. Her parents’ values, love, and commitment to their four children is what fuels Nora daily to make life a little better for her community and her mother’s illness had a significant impact on her and her advocacy to close the gap in the inequities of access to healthcare.
Nora is a proud older sister of Erika, Frida, and Eduardo, and also aunt to two beautiful, strong, bold, gorgeous nieces, Fatima, and Farah, who changed Nora’s life forever and inspire her tireless commitment and devotion to creating a more just and equitable world for them and all our children. Her family gives her the strength she needs in challenging times.
Nora attended school in Tijuana and is a proud graduate of Montgomery High School in the South Bay. She’s proud to have attended Southwestern College and transferred to the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit University– which was a transformative experience. At USF, Nora learned the importance of leadership and the imperative of social justice. At USF, it all clicked, and “my value system was defined. I understood the concept of intersectionality and why being at the table and creating our own spaces is critical to the advancement of our communities. It laid the foundation for my commitment to work tirelessly for the last thirty years to break down barriers and promote opportunities for our communities.”
Nora has built a support network of mentors, colleagues, and friends that have been essential in her path. From working for a member of Congress, serving the Clinton Administration, being the first Latina Executive for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, the first Latina appointed to CalSTRS, the largest teacher pension Board in the Nation. She attributes her extensive network as helping her immensely to achieve these roles, these many firsts.
On November 3rd, 2020, Nora made history when San Diegans elected her the first Latina, first woman of color and first immigrant, and first fronteriza to lead the County in its 200-year history. She is currently serving a second term as Chair of the Board of Supervisors and SANDAG, the San Diego Association of Governments.
She attributes her achievements to her parents; they are her moral compass.
Her legacy is not about being the last Latina in her role but about paving the way for others – She may be the First but never the last. Her dedication covers a diverse district, including Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, City of San Diego, and unincorporated communities, reflecting her commitment to creating opportunities for all.
Nora’s personal life is a vibrant tapestry, fly fishing, country music, and rooting for the San Diego Padres to name a few of her favorite pastimes. Accompanied by her fur babies, Rocco and Bruno, Chairwoman Nora Vargas remains a beacon of inspiration, imprinting an enduring legacy on the canvas of public service in San Diego County. Nora’s character, shaped by her family’s enduring values of love for family and community, exemplifies the true spirit of a trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of positive change.
