Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez, Ph.D. recently named Dr. Regina Smith as the Chancellor’s Equity and Justice Fellow. Her assignment begins on January 11, 2023.
Guided by LACCD’s Framework for Racial Equity and Social Justice, this new appointment will provide leadership and advance District strategies for diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA). Key to this work is strengthening partnerships, allyship and collaboration across the District by championing DEIA work and supporting underrepresented groups.
“With the District’s laser focus on equity, inclusion, diversity, and outreach, Dr. Smith’s fearless advocacy for students and underserved communities will be a key voice for the District,” said Chancellor Rodriguez. “Our Board of Trustees and leadership team look forward to partnering with her to better serve our community and region.”
“I’m honored to serve as the new Equity and Justice Fellow where I can continue my work of expanding advocacy and opportunity for all in the District,” says Dr. Smith. “With the Chancellor’s ambitious plan to address relevant issues of equity and access to education in Los Angeles, I look forward to this partnership.“
Before this appointment, Dr. Smith most recently served as the Vice President of Student Services at Los Angeles City College. In this role, she provided experience and expertise in advancing equity and opportunity for underserved populations. She also developed programming and awareness surrounding social justice, educational equity, and inclusion for all students.
As an advocate for women, Dr. Smith currently serves as Vice President for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Commission for Women, her goal is to create a gateway to educate and build strong alliances and resources to assist underserved communities in accessing doors that would otherwise be closed.
Dr. Smith earned her doctoral degree from the University of Southern California (USC), examining factors in women’s advancement in higher education. She has also been an educator and leader in health services as a senior consultant for the California State Legislature Health Committee.
Juliet Hidalgo