Wilma Hashimoto received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Southern California in Business Administration and her Master of Arts degree in Education Administration and Supervision from CSU, Fresno.

Her career experiences include being the corporate auditor for Gottschalks, Inc., an elementary classroom teacher, resource teacher, and guidance instructional specialist for Clovis Unified School District. She has also been an adjunct faculty member at Fresno City College. Since 1996, she has served as the Coordinator of Child Development Programs for Clovis Unified School District in which the program has expanded from 13 programs, 90 students, and 26 staff members to 42 programs, over 900 students, and 120 staff members. She serves as an advisory member to DSS Community Care Licensing, KVPT 0-5 in 30 Minutes program, Fresno County Preschool Leadership Coalition, and is active in her church and community.

Wilma resides in Clovis with her husband, Russell, and daughter, Kylene. In recognition of her advocacy for young children, she was appointed by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to serve as a commissioner for First 5 Fresno County in January 2005.