Fullerton College President Named 2026 Woman of the Year
Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo has been named the 67th Assembly District’s 2026 Woman of the Year. An honor recognized by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, this accolade speaks to Dr. Olivo’s exemplary leadership as she guides Fullerton College into growth, innovation and more.
“I’m truly honored,” said Dr. Olivo, “Fullerton College is a historic institution that has changed the lives of generations of students — many from communities like the one I grew up in. I am the granddaughter of campesinos and the daughter of a single mother who found her path through community college.”
Dr. Olivo’s leadership advances the goals in our college to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging.
She has elevated efforts in the college Student Equity Plan, establishing two new shared governance groups — the Hispanic Serving-Institution (HSI) Transformation Team and the North Star Committee — to guide the college’s work in improving equity-based practices and strengthening effectiveness as an HSI and emerging Black-Serving institution (BSI). She also implemented the African American Male Education Network and Development Charter Organization.
Dr. Olivo also secured a $4 million-dollar Samueli grant to fund undergraduate research opportunities for transfer students in STEM and established a center to house other experiential learning opportunities such as fellowships and internships for students in every program.
She also worked collaboratively with faculty leaders to support the first Bachelor’s degree program at Fullerton College in Drone Technology, set to begin in Fall 2026.
Under Dr. Olivo’s leadership, Fullerton College has also completed five major capital construction projects in the past three years, including two new buildings, one historic building renovation, the district’s first solar panel installation and a new central chiller plant. Additional projects currently underway include a renovated softball field in 2027, the new Performing Arts Center scheduled for completion in 2028 and a new Vocational STEM building in development.
She has made historic hiring decisions for the most diverse group of faculty, staff and administrators and is thankful to the campus community, our external partners and everyone who supports the college to help make all this possible.
In the spring 2026 semester, she officially launched the college’s 2025-29 strategic plan, ¡Adelante!, which aims to increase access to equity, support and success. She is also hard at work establishing a high functioning Foundation and hopes to implement a successful bond campaign geared toward improving the college’s facilities and infrastructure.
“Leading a campus that reflects the diversity, resilience and brilliance of our community means everything to me,” said Dr. Olivo. “This recognition belongs to the students, faculty and staff who show up every day committed to expanding opportunity and transforming lives through education.”
Every year, members of the Legislature select one woman in their Senate or Assembly district to be honored for their achievements. This year, Dr. Olivo celebrates the honor of Woman of the Year with reflection and gratitude for the incredible milestones achieved at Fullerton College. To her, serving as President of a college that believes deeply in access, opportunity and student potential is both a privilege and a responsibility that she carries with great pride.
Dr. Olivo will be honored at the California Legislative Women’s Caucus’s celebration on March 16 at the State Capitol alongside Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva.
Learn more about her exciting accomplishments and career on the Office of the President website.
