RCCD Leaders Represent District at 2026 National Community College Hispanic Council Leadership Symposium

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

Representing RCCD 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 Riverside City College.

The annual symposium, themed “Nuestra Historia, Nuestro Futuro” (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’s vision to be the premier organization for Hispanic leadership development in community colleges and its mission “to increase the number of successful Hispanic leaders in America’s community colleges through leadership development.”

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 Murguía, 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’s 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 RCCD, 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 RCCD’s commitment to developing leaders prepared to serve the diverse communities represented throughout California’s community colleges.

Rivera-Lacey’s role as NCCHC president-elect provides RCCD with an opportunity to contribute directly to the organization’s national mission and the continued development of Hispanic leaders throughout America’s community colleges. Her leadership, alongside the District’s participation through administrators such as Cruz-Soto, strengthens RCCD’s 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’s 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.