RCCD Student Parents Lead and Inspire at Statewide Summit
10/01/2025
Student parent leaders from across the Riverside Community College District (RCCD)
were recognized for their advocacy and leadership at the California Student Parent Summit 2025, held September 9–10 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Hosted by the California Student
Parent Alliance, the Summit convened student parents, educators, policymakers, and
community leaders from across the state to share innovative practices, supportive
policies, and strategies that advance equity for parenting students in higher education.
Representing Riverside City College (RCC), Student Parent Club President Kalisha Gomez, Vice President Alana Coletta, and co-advisors Araceli Calderon and Anne Lenox actively engaged in the two-day event. Gomez was honored with the Student Parent Inspire Award for her passion and commitment to advocating for student parents, and for her efforts to continually share new policies and resources that help parents succeed in college. She also served as a panelist alongside student parents from UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz, and San Francisco State University, sharing her college experience and perspective as a parenting student.
Adding to RCCD’s presence, Diane Castillo, a Norco College student parent, also attended the Summit. Castillo is leading the development of a Student Parent Club at Norco College, further expanding RCCD’s commitment to providing supportive spaces and resources for students who balance academics with parenting.
“The Summit reinforced that student parents are not alone in their journey,” said Gomez. “By connecting with peers and learning from statewide leaders, we are reminded of the power of advocacy, community, and collaboration to make lasting change.”
Araceli Calderon, Co-Advisor, shared, “The Student Parent Summit was an empowering reminder of the importance of centering student parent voices. The strategies and perspectives we gained will help us strengthen advocacy and expand the support systems our student parents need to succeed.”
Anne Lenox, Co-Advisor, added, “This summit provided both inspiration and practical solutions. It reaffirmed our commitment to building stronger networks of care for student parents and to ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive academically while balancing their responsibilities as caregivers.”
With leaders like Gomez and Castillo, and the support of dedicated faculty and staff
advisors, RCCD is strengthening its efforts to ensure parenting students across the
district have access to resources, support networks, and opportunities for multigenerational
success.
About California Student Parent Summit 2025
The California Student Parent Summit 2025 is a statewide gathering focused on advancing the success of college students who are also parents. Taking place September 9–10 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the summit brings together student parents, higher education leaders, and community advocates to exchange ideas and strengthen support systems for caregiving students. With the theme Innovate, Implement, Inspire, the event features workshops, keynote speakers, and collaborative sessions designed to highlight effective programs, promote equitable policies, and inspire new practices that recognize the unique challenges and strengths of student parents across California.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications