Featured Speakers

Dr. Alberto J. Román's remarkable journey from an immigrant background to becoming the Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of education. For over two decades, he has been a dedicated advocate for educational equity, tirelessly working to create meaningful pathways to success for underserved communities. Spanning a diverse career across educational roles, Dr. Román has experienced the academic landscape from multiple perspectives — beginning as a classified employee and faculty member, and progressing to become a college president and Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. At LACCD, one of the nation's largest and most diverse community college systems, his leadership as Vice Chancellor drove significant institutional improvements. He modernized hiring practices, championed diversity and inclusion through targeted professional development, and prioritized the holistic well-being of faculty and staff, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for over 200,000 students across nine colleges. As President of East Los Angeles College (ELAC), Dr. Román demonstrated exceptional skill in boosting enrollment through innovative strategies. Recognizing the barriers that prevent many potential students from accessing higher education, he implemented comprehensive outreach programs that directly engaged underserved communities. These initiatives included targeted community workshops, partnerships with local high schools, and innovative marketing campaigns that highlighted the tangible career and personal growth opportunities offered by community colleges. Under his leadership, ELAC not only became one of California's largest community colleges by enrollment but also developed a replicable model for increasing student access and participation in higher education. His approach to enrollment went beyond numbers, focusing on creating a welcoming and supportive environment that attracts and retains students. Dr. Román introduced user-friendly enrollment processes, expanded online and flexible learning options, and developed support systems that addressed the unique challenges faced by non-traditional students. These efforts resulted in significant increases in student enrollment, particularly among historically underrepresented populations. As President of ELAC, Dr. Román elevated the institution to a statewide model of educational excellence. His strategic approach emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion, resulting in groundbreaking initiatives that meaningfully addressed achievement gaps for students of color and expanded educational access for underrepresented populations. This commitment was recognized through ELAC receiving the prestigious John W. Rice Award for its remarkable progress in promoting equity and increasing transfer and completion rates. Beyond academic achievements, Dr. Román has been a passionate advocate for students' fundamental needs. He has consistently championed programs addressing critical challenges such as food and housing insecurity, providing robust support for foster youth, undocumented students, and justice-impacted learners. His holistic approach creates a campus environment where students feel genuinely seen, supported, and empowered to pursue their educational goals. Appointed Chancellor in May 2025, Dr. Román brings a visionary perspective to LACCD's leadership. His strategic priorities include expanding quality educational access, enhancing support for vulnerable student populations, and cultivating strategic community partnerships that create robust opportunities — all while maintaining rigorous fiscal responsibility. His academic credentials reflect his professional accomplishments. Dr. Román holds a doctorate and master's degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne and a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside. More than a leader, Dr. Román represents possibility itself — a steadfast advocate whose life embodies the transformative power of education. His journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for a shared commitment to equity and excellence, illuminating a path toward a brighter future for the communities LACCD serves.