Riverside City College Latinx Mixer Brings Together Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community to Celebrate Community and Culture

Riverside City College (RCC) hosted its annual Latinx Mixer, welcoming students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate culture, connection, and community. The event created an inclusive space for the Latinx community to gather, share experiences, and strengthen bonds across the campus and the broader Riverside community.

The keynote speaker, Marc Sanchez, RCC Mathematics Professor, shared his personal journey as a Puerto Rican navigating higher education and reflected on the importance of representation in the classroom. His inspiring remarks resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the value of mentorship, resilience, and pride in one’s cultural identity.

Sanchez reflected on his journey as a Puerto Rican and first-generation college graduate, noting that it has been shaped by both challenges and the support of community. He emphasized that being part of the Latinx family at RCC underscores the importance of creating spaces where students feel represented and supported, and he described the mixer as a celebration of identity, resilience, and belonging.

Vice President of Planning and Development, Kristi Woods, PhD, reflected on the unique privilege of beginning her journey at RCC alongside Sanchez. She shared how serving with him in various capacities over the years has been both an honor and a reminder of the profound, lasting impact educators can make.

Woods shared, “When I became a dean and he stepped into the role of faculty chair, we met weekly in my office—conversations that became treasured professional moments and a true reflection of our collegial partnership.”

Dean of Student Services, Thomas Cruz-Soto, Ed.D., also shared heartfelt words about the honor of collaborating with Sanchez, highlighting his commitment to both student success and community engagement.

In a special moment of appreciation, Sanchez was presented with a personalized gift basket created by Dean Cruz Soto—an effort that drew smiles from the audience, as Cruz Soto admitted that creativity was not his strongest skill but that this gesture came from genuine admiration and respect.

“This event is about more than gathering, it is about creating space,” said Cruz Soto. “It is about honoring the Latinx community here at RCC and celebrating the contributions of our students, faculty, staff, and partners who make our college stronger.”

Marc’s wife and son were also present at the mixer, making the celebration even more meaningful. Their presence underscored the personal side of his journey—reminding attendees that behind every professional accomplishment is the support of loved ones who share in the triumphs. The moment his family joined in the recognition reflected not only his achievements as a professor, but also the deep pride and joy of the community surrounding him.

“I’ve come to realize it’s less about where you’re born and more about what you’re exposed to,” stated Sanchez.

The Latinx Mixer is one of several cultural events at RCC designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion while fostering a sense of belonging. By bridging generations and backgrounds, the event reaffirmed the college’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment where all voices are valued.

About Riverside City College
Riverside City College (RCC), established in 1916, is the flagship college of the Riverside Community College District. RCC serves more than 20,000 students each year, offering comprehensive programs that prepare students for transfer, career, and lifelong learning. The College is committed to equity, innovation, and student success through transformative education and community partnerships.