Riverside City College Faculty and Staff Present at National Conferences on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Community College Innovation

Mar 28, 2025
graphic displaying images from conference

Riverside City College (RCC) faculty and staff recently showcased their expertise and commitment to student success by presenting at two prestigious national conferences: the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) Best Practices Conference in Chicago, Illinois, and the Innovations Conference by the League for Innovation in the Community College in San Antonio, Texas.

AHSIE Best Practices Conference

The 17th Annual AHSIE Best Practices Conference brought together over 800 participants, including higher education administrators, faculty, staff, and students committed to fostering best practices that close institutional performance gaps for Latinx/a/o/e students. This year’s conference emphasized the enduring presence and influence of diverse voices, identities, and cultures in shaping educational landscapes.

RCC faculty and staff played a prominent role in the conference, presenting on innovative strategies that support student success:

  • "Solidifying A STEMM Identity Through Conducting Summer Research at Partner Universities"
  • Presenters: Luis H. Molina, Project Manager, STEM Grants; Nadia Murrietta, STEM Connect Outreach Aid and RCC student
  • "Creación de Comunidad: Transforming Summer Experience for First-Year Students"
  • Presenters: Benjamin Vargas, Program Manager, Title V Grant; Sharon Walker, Director of Academic Support

Additionally, RCC’s Title V & Title III programs sent a team of eight representatives to participate in pre-conference institutes designed to support emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in maximizing grant funding and enhancing Latinx/a/o/e student initiatives.

Innovations Conference – League for Innovation in the Community College

Now in its 28th year, the Innovations Conference serves as a premier event for community college professionals dedicated to advancing teaching, learning, leadership, and institutional management. This international event provides a forum for collaboration among academic experts and thought leaders, while granting participants exclusive access to the most inventive and inspirational community college programs from around the world.

Conference Schedule: https://www.league.org/inn2025/schedule

RCC faculty and staff shared their expertise through two impactful presentations:

  • "Infusing Servingness During a Trifecta Year"
  • Presenters: Virginia White, Kristi Woods, Wendy McEwen
  • "Cross-Institutional Collaborations for Latiné Student Success"
  • Presenters: Virginia White, Kristi Woods, Wendy McEwen

RCC’s Title III program and the Office of Planning and Development sent a team of five representatives, reinforcing the college’s commitment to innovative practices and collaborative initiatives that enhance student success. The Innovations Conference brought together faculty, classified professionals, and administrators from community colleges throughout the country to share best practices and explore new strategies for institutional improvement.

Commitment to Student Success

Riverside City College remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive academic environment that supports student achievement, particularly for historically underrepresented populations. The insights and strategies shared by RCC faculty and staff at these national conferences underscore the institution’s leadership in advancing equitable educational practices and strengthening pathways for student succe