National Hispanic Heritage Month annually recognizes the cultures and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino-identified communities.
On Monday, September 19, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares will mark the occasion with a virtual forum with several distinguished panelists who will share their stories and perspectives.
The event, the latest in OCDE’s series of online colloquiums based on the theme “Know My Name, Face and Story,” is free to those who pre-register at link.ocde.us/colloquium.
“More than one-third of Orange County residents are Hispanic or Latino, and their contributions are essential to our region’s culture, economy, academic institutions and values,” said Dr. Mijares. “This month’s colloquium presents an opportunity to hear from respected community leaders whose personal experiences and unique insights can help us better understand our county’s past, present and future.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month spans 30 days beginning on September 15, which is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16 and Chile’s independence is recognized on September 18.
Along with sharing their personal stories, speakers at the Sept. 19 colloquium are expected to discuss educational trends, challenges, and strategies to ensure equity and access. Educators, school administrators, students, parents and community members are encouraged to attend.
Here is the list of speakers:
Adriana Villavicencio, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Education
University of California, Irvine
Dr. Adriana Villavicencio is an assistant professor in the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine. Her research has focused on K-12 education policies and school practices that deepen or disrupt disparities for underserved student communities and families.
Her book, Am I My Brother’s Keeper: Educational Opportunities and Outcomes for Black and Brown Boys, published by Harvard Education Press, chronicles the implementation and impact of the Expanded Success Initiative in New York City, a precursor to President Obama’s My Brother’s Keepers. and one of the nation’s largest initiatives targeting black and Latino male students.
The current work of Dr. Villavicencio focuses on school improvement for multilingual immigrant students and racial justice programming in K-12 schools. Before becoming a researcher, she taught English in middle and high schools in Brooklyn, New York, and Oakland.
Dr. Villavicencio earned her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy from the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. She also has a master’s degree in English education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Columbia University.
Matt Navo
Executive Director
California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
As the current executive director of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), Matt Navo and his team of education professionals help deliver on California’s promise of a quality, equitable education for all students.
Navo is the former director of System Transformation services for West Ed, where he supported districts and schools in developing strategies, structures, policies and practices that help close achievement gaps.
Navo received his bachelor’s degree in education and his master’s degree in special education from California State University, Fresno. He holds a variety of credentials, including a professional administrative credential, multi-subject teaching credential, a professional specialist credential in special education, and an additional credential with an autism emphasis.
Gadi Vasquez
Former US Ambassador to the United Nations
Gaddi Vasquez has served in leadership positions in local, state and federal government during a long career of public service. Before retiring, he was senior vice president of government affairs for Edison International and Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest investor-owned utilities.
Prior to joining SCE in 2009, he served as the US Ambassador to Rome-based United Nations agencies, including the World Food Program and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. He was also the director of the United States Peace Corps from 2002 to 2006.
Earlier in his career, he served as an Orange County supervisor, as chief deputy appointments secretary to Governor George Deukmejian, and as a police officer for the city of Orange. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public service management from the University of Redlands and holds six honorary doctorate degrees.
Jack Miranda
Executive Director
Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership
Jesse R. “Jack” Miranda III serves as executive director of the Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership, which was established by his father at Vanguard University in 2000.
The center’s mission is to serve Latino-identifying college students by working to equip, educate, and empower future leaders to strengthen their campuses, churches, and communities.
Miranda founded Living Faith Church in La Mirada, where he previously served as lead pastor and has been involved in many community organizations. A retired correctional peace officer of 22 years, he received his master’s degree in pastoral studies from Azusa Pacific University.
Itzel Soto, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Spanish
Biola University
As a self-proclaimed academic from el barrio, Dr. Itzel Meduri Soto focuses on linguistic justice and promotes linguistic diversity. She is a daughter of Mexican immigrants, born and raised in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Soto is currently an associate professor of Spanish at Biola University and a writer for World Outspoken. Her writings cover a wide range of topics, including bilingualism, racial identity, immigration, and motherhood.
She is a graduate of Los Angeles Harbor College, California State University, Dominguez Hills and the University of California, Irvine.
