(Whittier, Calif.) – Río Hondo College (RHC) Superintendent/President Marilyn Flores, Ph.D., took center stage in an intimate conversation titled Mujeres: Latina Voices in Educational Leadership on March 20. Hosted by University of California, Riverside (UCR) Alumni Association President Josefina Canchola, the event brought together approximately 60 UCR alumni and aspiring RHC students planning to transfer to UCR, offering them invaluable insights into educational leadership and career advancement.
Dr. Flores, a proud two-time UCR graduate, shared her journey spanning more than 25 years in education, including 20 years dedicated to California community colleges. Throughout the discussion, she reflected on how her academic foundation at UCR prepared her for leadership roles and how her identity as a Latina has shaped her approach to education and advocacy. She also encouraged young professionals to embrace their cultural backgrounds and pursue leadership opportunities, emphasizing that diversity in leadership strengthens communities and institutions.
“As a first-generation college student and second-language learner, my path was one of resilience and determination,” said Dr. Flores. “My cultural heritage is a strength that informs my leadership and my commitment to equitable education for all students.”
The event provided aspiring students with a roadmap for navigating their academic and professional futures, reinforcing the importance of representation and mentorship within higher education.
Dr. Flores' distinguished career includes serving in key roles, such as Vice President, Dean, Associate Dean, Program Director, Consultant and Researcher. Her advocacy for student success has remained steadfast, culminating in her unanimous appointment as Río Hondo College’s 11th Superintendent/President by the Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2022.
Beyond her leadership in higher education, Dr. Flores has been recognized for her contributions to the Latino community. She was honored as Educator of the Year at the Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards and received a prestigious Hispanic Border Leadership Institute Doctoral Fellowship at UCR.
“Dr. Flores exemplifies the power of Latina leadership in academia,” said Canchola. “Her story is an inspiration for the next generation of educators and leaders.”
Dr. Flores earned her Ph.D., in Institutional Leadership and Policy Studies, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Education and Spanish from UCR. She also holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language in Academic Development (BCLAD) teaching credential from the University of California, Los Angeles.
For more information on Dr. Marilyn Flores and Río Hondo College, please visit www.riohondo.edu.