Carolina Jimenez was born on May 13, 1947 in Merced, California where she spent her formative years on a nearby family farm with her parents Julio and Ruth Jimenez, two brothers Francisco and Gillermo and two sisters Herminia and Patricia.

Carolina graduated from Merced High School and went on to attend California State University Fresno. She graduated with a degree in Spanish and a minor in History. She obtained a Life Secondary Teaching Credential. She completed work for her Masters in City and Regional Planning.

In 1996, she went on to receive a Master in Organizational Behavior at the California School of Professional Psychology in Fresno. Carolina was active in various community groups and was a member and past president of the League of Mexican American Women.

She was a Board member of Arte Americas, the Interstate 5 Business Development Corridor and President of the Western Region Transportation Officials Division of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. She is a life member of the American Public Works Association.

Carolina served on the Mar Monte Planned Parenthood Board and represented Mar Monte on the National Planned Parenthood Board. She held membership in other organizations serving Fresno County including the Junior League of Fresno, the American Association of University Women, the National Women's Political Caucus and the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation.

Carolina was a devout Catholic who witnessed to her faith in all aspects of her life. In her retirement, she became an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Clovis. She was the volunteer coordinator maintaining Safe Environment records. She was a member of the Parish Council and was Chairperson of the Peace and Social Justice Ministry. Carolina had a great compassion for the poor and marginalized.

Carolina strived daily to live our Lord's commandment of love our neighbor. She saw the face of Christ in each individual and sought to serve. Accordingly, she volunteered to address hunger and isolation in the community by providing free meals and groceries through St. Martha's Table and St. Martha's Pantry.

Carolina supported immigrant and farm worker communities by donating bibles, rosaries and catechism supplies. Carolina organized and taught classes on immigrant rights and tutored individuals in preparation for citizenship interviews.  It was through her compassion that lead us to create Carolina's Helping Hands.