In this episode of AUHSD Future Talks, Superintendent Matsuda interviews Dr. Cynthia Olivo, President of Fullerton College. During the talk, Dr. Olivo discusses her journey, remaining authentic in leadership, addressing issues in collaboration with others, challenges and opportunities within community colleges, the Drone Pathway, dual enrollment, the Esports and Game Design Pathway, hiring for advocacy, and advice to young people.
Dr. Olivo began serving as the 10th president of Fullerton College in January 2023. Her career spans nearly three decades, serving as a champion for equity, inclusion and academic excellence for students. Her time in educational leadership is marked by a student-centered philosophy that aligns with Fullerton College’s mission to empower students to achieve their educational goals. Dr. Olivo personally identifies with the challenges faced by Fullerton College students and the broader community. Her personal history as the granddaughter of migrant farmworkers, the daughter of a single mother, a first-generation college student and third-generation Chicana, deeply informs her empathetic and equity-driven approach to leadership in higher education.
