RCC Unites Community at 2nd Annual Latinx Mixer

On October 14, Riverside City College (RCC) hosted the 2nd Annual Latinx Mixer on the CAADO rooftop, creating a space for community engagement and celebration. This event brought together students, professionals, and community leaders to honor Hispanic heritage and recognize the achievements of the Latinx community.

As attendees mingled over delicious food and live music, the evening’s energy built towards a poignant keynote address by Estrella Romero, Ed.D., an associate professor with over 15 years of experience at RCCD. Professor Romero captivated the audience with her unique perspective, using her passion for hiking as a metaphor for the educational journey. She recounted her own experience climbing Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental United States, which took her 18 arduous hours to summit.

Romero shared, “Hiking is about putting one foot in front of the other, even when the path gets tough. Like climbing a mountain, education requires perseverance. If you focus on how difficult the journey is, it’s easy to get discouraged. But if you take it step by step, you can reach your summit.”

Her insights resonated with the audience, encouraging everyone to embrace their challenges with determination and celebrate each small victory along the way.

RCCD Chancellor Wolde-ab Isaac reinforced themes of resilience, stating, “Today we honor the legacy of those who came before us, ensuring every story and voice is heard and valued. Riverside City College is proud to serve over 60% Latinx students, and we are committed to championing equity.”

The Latinx Mixer also highlighted the power of community collaboration, featuring organizations such as Puente, ALASS, La Casa, Male Mentoring, and the Latino Network, all dedicated to supporting the Latinx community.

We can all reach our potential by embracing Professor Romero’s lessons of resilience and taking life one step at a time. Riverside City College looks forward to continuing this important tradition and celebrating the diverse voices that enrich our community. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Student Services team, particularly Cathlene Castellanos and Vevesi Save, under the guidance of Interim VP of Student Services Thomas Cruz-Soto. Their dedication and hard work made this event a success.