Championing Equity: The Leadership Journey of Dr. Claire Oliveros

Dr. Claire Oliveros, a dedicated educational leader, scholar, and racial equity practitioner, currently serves as the President of Riverside City College (RCC), the 13th president of the institution within the Riverside Community College District (RCCD). With a career spanning nearly three decades, Oliveros has been deeply involved in higher education leadership, particularly in championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success.

A first-generation college graduate and a Filipina American, Oliveros grew up in the Pacific Northwest, nurturing strong ties to her Filipino roots and Jewish ancestry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from Western Oregon University, a Master of Science in Educational Policy, Foundations, and Administrative Studies from Portland State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy with a specialization in Community College Leadership from Oregon State University.

Oliveros' journey in higher education began as a student leader-activist at Western Oregon University, where she later served as the inaugural Multicultural Admissions Counselor. Her passion for equity and inclusion led her to various leadership roles in institutions across Oregon, Virginia, and California, focusing on developing programs and initiatives centered on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, accessibility, antiracism, and justice.

Prior to her appointment at RCC, Oliveros served as the Vice President of Institutional Equity & Research and Planning at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, where she oversaw a range of student services divisions and initiatives, emphasizing equity-minded practices and policies.

In her role as President of RCC, Oliveros continues her commitment to student access and success, teaching and learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She brings extensive experience in overseeing large and complex divisions, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and fostering community engagement and partnerships.

Oliveros' leadership qualities and dedication to student equity have been recognized both nationally and locally. She was honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the United States in 2008 and has been actively involved in community organizing and advocacy, particularly in supporting the Filipino movement for self-determination and human rights.

As President of RCC, Claire Oliveros remains steadfast in her mission to advance equity and excellence in education, ensuring that all students have the support and resources they need to succeed. Her vision for RCC reflects a commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.