Wendy Silva Named May Faculty Spotlight Recipient at Riverside City College

The Riverside City College Student Equity Committee is proud to announce Wendy Silva, Associate Professor of English, as May’s Faculty Equity Spotlight honoree. This recognition celebrates faculty whose work reflects a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), as well as meaningful engagement in teaching, service, and student-centered support.

Silva, who has served at RCC for the past seven years, teaches creative writing, Latinx literature, poetry, LGBTQ+ literature, and composition. She earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing from University of California, Riverside and her Master of Fine Arts in poetry from University of Idaho. A proud queer Latinx woman and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Silva brings both lived experience and deep compassion into her work with students.

Throughout her time at RCC, Silva has been a consistent advocate for historically underserved students and equity-centered programming. She served as Puente co-coordinator from 2021 to 2024 and currently serves as co-advisor for the Puente Club, where she was recognized with the Advisor of the Year award in 2024. She also helped pilot La Casa English courses this year alongside Professor Torres-Rangel and played a key role in advocating for both Puente and La Casa counselor positions, which were later prioritized and filled.

Silva has also demonstrated leadership through her involvement in campus organizations and curriculum development. She helped establish LASSE (LGBTQIA2+ Association for Student Success and Equity) and has served as secretary since its founding approximately six years ago. In collaboration with faculty across RCC, Moreno Valley College, and Norco College, she contributed to the creation of curriculum for ENG 66, an LGBTQ+ literature course currently being piloted this spring. She is also active in ALASS and regularly facilitates workshops and “pláticas” focused on supporting Latinx and LGBTQ+ students.

Beyond the classroom, Silva serves as creative writing discipline lead for her department, mentors both associate and tenure-track faculty, supports scholarship review committees, and presents at conferences and workshops centered on equity, writing pedagogy, and student success. Last spring, she presented at AWP in Los Angeles on integrating creative writing pedagogy into composition classrooms and attended AHSIE in Chicago to further explore ways institutions can proactively support Latinx students and strengthen Hispanic-Serving Institution initiatives.

Silva says her work is rooted in the educational journeys of her parents and the support systems that helped them succeed.

“Both of my parents were first-generation college students who immigrated from Mexico when they were young,” said Silva. “They were able to make it through their education journeys in this country because they had people at their community college who cared, who believed they had potential, and who connected them to resources and opportunities. When I see my students working hard to achieve their own goals, I see my parents. I want to pay it forward in any way I can.”

She added, “I do this work for every immigrant student that has had to learn a new language, for every student of color who has ever been made to feel small or like their voice was insignificant, and for every queer or trans student who has had to fight to be seen and accepted. I do this work for mi gente, mi familia, and for my community.”

A colleague who nominated Silva shared the following reflection:

“Professor Silva leads with heart, intentionality, and genuine care for students. Whether she is mentoring students, creating inclusive curriculum, advocating for equity-centered resources, or building spaces where students feel safe and valued, her impact can be felt across campus. She consistently uplifts students and colleagues alike while fostering belonging and empowerment through her work.”

The Student Equity Committee extends its appreciation to Silva for her dedication, advocacy, and unwavering support of RCC students. Her work reflects the college’s mission to foster an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

About the Faculty Spotlight Award

The Faculty Spotlight is a monthly recognition presented by Riverside City College’s Student Equity Committee. The award highlights both part-time and full-time faculty who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Faculty who create inclusive classrooms, champion equity for student groups, and strengthen the campus community are celebrated through this honor.

Anyone may nominate a faculty member for recognition. Nominations may reflect sustained DEIA leadership, innovative practices, measurable outcomes, collaborative engagement, or service that dismantles barriers and promotes student success. To submit a nomination, please complete the [Faculty Spotlight Nomination Form].