Riverside City College Professional Development Coordinator Receives Statewide Classified Employee of the Year Honor

Riverside City College (RCC) proudly celebrates Natalie Vázquez, Ed.D., Professional Development Coordinator, for being named a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. Vázquez is one of only six classified professionals selected statewide for the prestigious recognition and the first employee in Riverside Community College District history to receive the honor.

The award recognizes permanent classified professionals across California’s community college system who demonstrate exceptional commitment to Vision 2030, professional ethics, leadership and service that extends beyond their local institution. According to the Chancellor’s Office, recipients are selected for their meaningful contributions to student success, equity and institutional excellence.

As RCC’s Professional Development Coordinator, Vázquez has become a driving force behind equity-centered professional learning initiatives that support employee growth and student achievement. Through programs such as the Equity-Minded Learning Institute and data literacy series, she has helped strengthen institutional practices that better serve RCC’s diverse student population.

“Natalie’s leadership reflects the very best of Riverside City College,” said Eric Bishop, Interim President. “Her commitment to equity, collaboration and professional development has had a lasting impact on our campus community. This statewide recognition is a testament to the transformational work she continues to lead in support of both employees and students.”

Vázquez’s leadership extends beyond RCC through statewide presentations, conference engagement and collaboration with initiatives connected to the Chancellor’s Office. Her work continues to influence best practices in professional learning and organizational development across California’s community college system.

“I am absolutely thrilled to see Natalie receive this historic recognition,” said Stephen Ashby, CSEA, Chapter 535, President. “She consistently advocates for and elevates classified professionals while fostering opportunities for growth, belonging and student-centered excellence. This honor is incredibly well deserved.”

The statewide recognition further highlights RCC’s ongoing commitment to equity, professional excellence and employee development as part of its mission to support student success and transform lives throughout the Inland Empire.

For more information about the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year recipients, visit the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office announcement.