Blanche Barajas

Background Information

Mayor Blanche Barajas was elected to serve the Pasco City Council starting January 2018, elected Mayor Pro-Tem in 2020, and elected Mayor in January 2022, making her the first elected Latina to council and First Latina Mayor in Pasco history.

Blanche was born and raised in the central coast area of California. Upon graduating high school, and in hopes to reconnect with her heritage she enrolled in college in Mexico and returned again to California when she graduated, to enjoy the beautiful weather and California beaches. Later in life, she moved again in 2005 when she came to Pasco. Blanche has two sons. She enjoys spending time with them, and their 3 dogs, and taking road trips. Blanche holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (1991) and an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice (2013). She is the Executive Director of the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs and has an extensive background in public service.

As a council member, Blanche has been a strong advocate for social justice issues and building inclusive policies, Blanche’s involvement in the community is long and extensive, has been on several boards like Elijah Family Homes, and is currently on the Three River’s Foundation and served as a mentor in many organizations such as ALAS (Ambassadors of Lakeview Achieving Success), Ignite Youth Mentoring, mentorship at the Juvenile Correctional Center and as a Lunch Buddy with the Pasco School District. She has been a member of the Latino Professional Leadership group and served as Chair and Co-chair for the Pasco Cinco de Mayo planning committee. Blanche proudly serves in several committees representing the City, is current Vice-Chair for Safe Kids Coalition, and several youth awareness coalitions, and continues to volunteer in other areas of the community.