Champions of Equity Honored at League’s 2019 Annual Convention Reception
SACRAMENTO, CA – The Campaign for College Opportunity and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund have named California Community College Trustees (CCCT) Board President Linda Wah, Compton College President Dr. Keith Curry, and San Joaquin Delta College Trustee Janet Rivera the 2019 Champions of Equity. The honorees will be presented with the Champion of Equity Award at the Community College League of California’s (League) 2019 Annual Convention evening reception on Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in Riverside, CA.
This year’s award recipients have prioritized student-centered policies that produce equitable outcomes and expand college opportunities for Californians. “Equity-minded and student-driven trustees and CEOs such as Linda Wah, Keith Curry, and Janet Rivera, are essential to advancing an equity agenda and enhancing student success at California Community Colleges,” said Larry Galizio, President & CEO of the Community College League of California. “We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”
Wah has served as a Trustee for Pasadena City College since 2010. With more than 30 years of experience on numerous community boards, she is focused on educational improvements, fair employment and pay for women, and awareness of Asian-American and Pacific-Islander community issues. As a community college leader, she is passionate about affording students access to quality institutions and the resources needed to succeed. She has served on multiple boards for Cal State University of Los Angeles (Alumni Board, Charter College of Education, Business School Advisory), and the Pasadena City College President's Asian American Pacific Islander Advisory Committee. Wah is also currently First Vice Chair/Treasurer for the League’s Board of Directors.
As President/CEO for Compton College, Curry is responsible for promoting student enrollment, success and retention, while working with the college’s vice presidents to develop strategic plans and procedures that enhance their academic and student services programs. Curry is dedicated to the development of new programs and the redirection of existing programs to meet the instructional and student services needs of Compton College students. He is personally invested in delivering on the mission of Compton College, which is to offer a welcoming environment where the diversity of its students is supported in pursuing and attaining academic and professional excellence. Dr. Curry is an active member of the Foundation for Compton Community College District, the Association of California Community College Administrators, the California Community College Athletic Association, the Statewide Association of Community Colleges (SWACC), and the President’s Roundtable.
Rivera is serving her seventh term as a Trustee for San Joaquin Delta College. First elected in 1994, Rivera is the college's longest-tenured trustee and has served five terms as board president. She has focused her efforts on maintaining open communication with local, state, nationally elected officials on education issues, advocating for increased funding for STEM programs, and improving early-childhood literacy. Rivera has served on several boards and councils committed to the health, well-being, and educational attainment of California’s youth and Latinx community. She is an active member of the NALEO Educational Fund, President of the California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Administrators (CALCCTA) and serves on the League’s Advisory Committee on Legislation.
Annual Convention attendees are encouraged to attend the evening reception honoring this year’s Champions of Equity. The evening reception will bring together policymakers and leaders from across the state to celebrate students and California’s commitment to their success.
###
The Community College League of California is a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a voluntary membership of the 73 local community college districts in California. The League promotes student access and success by strengthening colleges through advocacy, leadership development, district services, and policy development. Visit our website at www.ccleague.org.
