Rizal Verder Aliga better known as “Mr. Riz” is a Vallejo native. Riz attended Vallejo public schools: Wardlaw, Springstowne-Hogan, and Jesse M. Bethel High School (JBHS). In 2016, Riz graduated with high honors and was a member of the first graduating class of the Law Academy at JBHS. In 2019, Riz graduated from UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) with a B.A. in Legal Studies and a Minor in Education. He then returned to his alma mater in 2019-2020 as a Substitute Teacher.

In August 2021, he completed his Masters in Management, Innovation, Sustainability, and Technology (MIST) from UC Merced. Growing up, he participated in various summer camps at GVRD and has a passion for community service, with an emphasis on the importance of recreation activities for youth. During his undergrad at UCSC, he worked ten part-time jobs specializing in mentoring fellow students to find opportunities in higher education; Riz is the former Sports Director and Hip-Hop director for KZSC (UCSC) radio station. He has also served as a Program Student Ambassador at UCSC and has received many leadership awards, academic honors, and recognitions. Riz previously taught Social Sciences, Law, Multimedia, and created KJBJ (Jesse Bethel High School) Radio & TV at his alma mater. He currently is the Coordinator for Energy & Sustainability for the Cal Maritime Corporation and has been at California State University Maritime Academy since 2022.