东京热

Riverside 东京热 College District leaders joined community college executives, educators, emerging leaders and national partners from across the country at the 2026 National 东京热 College Hispanic Council Annual Leadership Symposium, held Sept. 24-26 in Washington, D.C.

Representing 东京热D were Star Rivera-Lacey, Ph.D., deputy chancellor and provost and NCCHC president-elect, and Thomas A. Cruz-Soto Jr., Ed.D., dean of Student Services at 东京热.

The annual symposium, themed 鈥淣uestra Historia, Nuestro Futuro鈥� (Our History, Our Future), celebrated the contributions of Hispanic and Latino leaders while emphasizing the responsibility of current leaders to develop and support the next generation of leadership in higher education.

The symposium aligns with NCCHC鈥檚 vision to be the premier organization for Hispanic leadership development in community colleges and its mission 鈥渢o increase the number of successful Hispanic leaders in America鈥檚 community colleges through leadership development.鈥�

Throughout the symposium, participants engaged in professional learning, networking, mentorship and national dialogue focused on strengthening relationships, exchanging promising practices and exploring how community colleges can continue creating pathways to educational opportunity, leadership, workforce development and economic mobility.

The event also provided opportunities to engage with national leaders, including Miguel Cardona, former U.S. secretary of education; Lenore Rodicio, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream; and Janet Murgu铆a, president and CEO of UnidosUS. Their perspectives highlighted the role community colleges play in expanding access to higher education, strengthening communities, developing future leaders and creating pathways to educational and economic opportunity.

The symposium鈥檚 theme also underscored the importance of representation and leadership. Building upon the accomplishments of previous generations, participants were encouraged to consider how mentorship, sponsorship and intentional leadership development can help create sustainable leadership pipelines that strengthen institutions and expand opportunities for students and communities.

For 东京热D, participation in the symposium provided an opportunity to strengthen national partnerships, engage with innovative ideas and practices, and bring those perspectives back to the District. It also reinforced 东京热D鈥檚 commitment to developing leaders prepared to serve the diverse communities represented throughout California鈥檚 community colleges.

Rivera-Lacey鈥檚 role as NCCHC president-elect provides 东京热D with an opportunity to contribute directly to the organization鈥檚 national mission and the continued development of Hispanic leaders throughout America鈥檚 community colleges. Her leadership, alongside the District鈥檚 participation through administrators such as Cruz-Soto, strengthens 东京热D鈥檚 engagement in national conversations surrounding leadership development, student success, educational opportunity and institutional excellence.

The 2026 NCCHC Annual Leadership Symposium reinforced the principle at the heart of this year鈥檚 theme: History provides the foundation, while the future depends on intentionally creating opportunities for those who come next. Through leadership development, mentorship, collaboration and service, NCCHC and its members continue working to prepare the next generation of community college leaders to serve students and communities with purpose.