Raquel was born in San Diego and raised in the community of  San Ysidro where she still resides with her husband, Gareth Maden. She attended San Ysidro schools from preschool through 8th grade. Being that San Ysidro did not have a high school at the time, Raquel received her high school diploma from Montgomery High School and was a California Scholarship Federation seal bearer.

After high school, Raquel was admitted to several top universities. Her first choice was the University of Southern California where she wanted to study Journalism. Raquel decided, instead, to stay at home and attend Southwestern Community College where she not only continued her study of journalism, but also developed a love for human psychology.

Raquel transferred to San Diego State University and in 2004 received her bachelors degree in Psychology and minor in Journalism.

Upon her graduation from SDSU, Raquel  immediately ran for public office in November. She received 50% more votes than any other previous candidate in San Ysidro. In winning her race for the San Ysidro School Board, she became, at the time, the youngest school board trustee in the State, and subsequently the youngest school board President in the United States.  Raquel was re-elected in 2008 and in 2009 was appointed to the California School Boards Assocation Region 17 Delegates assembly  and is proud to have received her CSBA 5 year membership before her 30th birthday.

Raquel had previously been a classified employee at the San Ysidro School District before joining the Board of Trustees. There she worked as a community health worker and liaision; connecting the school district, parents and health care resources throughout the state. She also taught computers and coached the San Ysidro Middle School Drill Team.

Today, Raquel serves as chief policy advisor  to City of San Diego Council President Ben Hueso in District 8.  In the District 8 office, Raquel is responsible for Spanish media relations and currently represents the councilmember in the policy areas of Budget, Education, Public Safety and Neighborhood Services.

Prior to serving as a representative for Councilmember Hueso, Raquel served as the Operations Manager for Blurb Magazine published by the Sweetwater Union High School District, and, in addition, wrote her own column for the San Diego Union Tribune's Spanish language publication,Enlace.

In addition to her full-time job, Raquel is a consultant to Expert Internet Systems, a full service Internet Marketing Agency, advising on Latino Marketing.

Raquel is bilingual and an avid community volunteer. She has served as the President of the San Ysidro Women's Club, on the Board of Directors for the Borderview YMCA and she is a Mentor for Montgomery High School's Media Institute.  Most recently Raquel became a first time mom, welcoming Enrique Casey John Maden to the world on July 30th 2009.