Chapter 535 Demonstrates Leadership and Advocacy at 99th Annual CSEA Conference
09/17/2025
Riverside Community College District’s California School Employees Association (CSEA)
Chapter 535 delegates joined thousands of classified professionals at the 99th Annual
CSEA Conference in Reno, Nevada. This year’s theme, “United for Tomorrow, Rooted in
Strength,” underscored the collective power of education workers committed to student
success, professional development, and public education advocacy.
Chapter 535 delegates — Stephen Ashby, Maurice Bowers, Lorenzo Lopez, Melissa Olivieri, Marie Thermidor
and Allyssa Ybarra — participated in a week of collaboration, education and strategic
planning, further aligning their work with RCCD’s institutional priorities.
Delegates took part in Education Days, a series of workshops focused on leadership,
chapter operations and advocacy. By engaging in these professional development sessions,
Chapter 535 members returned equipped to support Student Learning and Success, ensuring
classified professionals are prepared to help students thrive.
Keynote speakers — including Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones and California Labor Federation President
Lorena Gonzalez — delivered strong messages in support of labor rights and equitable
access to public education. Their calls to action echoed Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,
reinforcing RCCD’s mission to close equity gaps and advance liberatory outcomes for
all students.
Chapter 535 proudly joined the #DefendEd campaign, standing with classified professionals
across the state to protect public education and workplace rights. This commitment
to collective action mirrors Community Engagement, highlighting the importance of
civic leadership and institutional partnerships.
Inspiring messages from speakers, including American Federation of Government Employees
President Everett Kelley, reminded attendees of the strength found in unity. “When
16 million voices rise up together, we sound like thunder and we cannot be ignored,”
Kelley said. This spirit of solidarity reflects Institutional Sustainability, as classified
professionals return empowered to support RCCD’s long-term growth.
Chapter 535’s participation in the annual conference affirms the role of classified
professionals as key drivers of student success, equity and institutional resilience
across RCCD.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications