RCCD Names Natalie Vázquez Halsell, Ed.D., 2026 Classified Employee of the Year
03/30/2026
The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) has selected Natalie Vázquez Halsell, Ed.D., professional development coordinator at Riverside City College, as its 2026 Classified Employee of the Year. In recognition of her outstanding contributions and impact, Vázquez Halsell will now advance as RCCD’s official nominee for the California Community Colleges (CCC) Classified Employee of the Year award.
Vázquez Halsell exemplifies the highest standards of excellence, leadership and equity-centered service within the California Community Colleges system. Her work reflects a deep understanding that employee growth is directly tied to student success. Through her leadership, she has designed and implemented comprehensive professional learning initiatives that equip faculty, classified professionals and administrators with the knowledge, skills and equity-minded practices needed to support a diverse student population. Signature programs such as the Equity-Minded Learning Institute, data literacy series and emotional intelligence academy have strengthened institutional capacity for culturally responsive practice, inclusive decision-making and student-centered service.
“Vázquez Halsell’s leadership reflects the very best of our district’s commitment to serving students and supporting employees,” said Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D., chancellor of RCCD. “Her ability to align professional learning with student success and equity priorities has made a lasting impact not only at Riverside City College but across our district and the California Community Colleges system.”
Known for her collaborative and innovative approach, Vázquez Halsell plays a central role in advancing institutional effectiveness through shared governance, strategic planning and employee engagement efforts. She co-chairs multiple campus committees and founded the Promoting Unity through Recognition and Recreation (PURR) committee, which earned a statewide Campus Culture Change Award for its impact on fostering inclusive and affirming campus environments. Her work bridges operational excellence with human-centered practices that enhance both employee experience and student outcomes.
Beyond RCCD, Vázquez Halsell is a respected leader at the regional and statewide levels. She serves as vice chair of the California Community College Council for Professional Development and co-founded the Region 9 Classified Professionals Alliance, advancing leadership development and advocacy for classified professionals. A frequent presenter and keynote speaker, she has contributed to statewide initiatives and developed the Professional Learning Hierarchy of Needs framework, a model that supports equitable and effective learning environments across institutions.
Vázquez Halsell’s career is defined by purpose, service and a commitment to creating conditions where employees can thrive so that students can succeed. Her selection as RCCD’s Classified Employee of the Year highlights her transformative impact and positions her as a strong representative for the district at the state level.
“Receiving this recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the collective work of colleagues who are deeply committed to student success. I am honored to support professional learning that empowers employees to grow, lead with purpose and create more equitable experiences for our students,” stated Vázquez Halsell.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications