Steinback Honored by Assemblymember Medina

​Assemblymember Jose Medina honored 13 women during the 61st Assembly District Women of Distinction celebration. Each of the honorees, which included Moreno Valley College President Robin Steinback, Ph.D., were cited for contributions in their chosen fields and impact on the community.

In addition to Steinback, Ashley Bettas-Alcalá, Yvette Elam, Italia Garcia, Lupe Gomez, Nakita Hooper, Denisse Lopez, Jennifer O'Farrell, Sonia Rezkalah, Ola Faye Stephens, Johanna Vargas, and Deborah Wong were also honored. Author Susan Straight was celebrated as the 2020-21 Woman of the Year. 

State Treasurer Fiona Ma served as guest speaker.

Steinback has been with Moreno Valley College since 2013 and was appointed as the fourth president, the second women to be named so, of the College in July 2017. She has more than 35 years of progressive leadership experience in California Community Colleges. Her professional career includes vice chancellor of Educational Services in Riverside Community College District; vice president of Academic Affairs at Moreno Valley, Cuyamaca and Solano  colleges; and dean of instruction and tenured faculty at her alma mater, Mt. San Jacinto College.

“I am personally humbled and honored by this award, and to be included in the company of such amazing women," Steinback said. “My life's work has been to create access for all to higher education. It has been a special  joy to radiate possibilities, create opportunities, and mentor women as they seek to contribute to their own communities and the greater global whole."

Throughout her career, Steinback has sought to increase access to higher education, increase college completion rates, and address equity and social justice issues. Since joining Moreno Valley College, Steinback has led many initiatives that have led to significant increases in high school graduation rates, college-going and college completion rates, and development of the regional workforce. In 2018, she was named a Wheelhouse Fellow by UC Davis. In 2019, the city of Moreno Valley recognized her as Educator of the Year for her work in economic and workforce development and the MoVaLEARNs program. She is a native of Riverside County where she resides with her husband of 39 years, Glenn, and their two sons.

“I am humbled to recognize influential women from the 61st Assembly District, who serve as examples and role models to young people in our community," Medina said. “They have demonstrated what is possible through their passion and dedication. During this unique event, recognition is given to women who have been pioneers in their respective careers, paving the way forward for future generations of empowered and strong individuals who hope to make a difference in their community. These women of distinction have exhibited an unwavering spirit of commitment to society and displayed a devotion to empower women of all ages."​