The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities held a California Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit on Nov. 2, 2025, for attendees from the state at HACU’s 39th Annual Conference.

The Summit brought together leadership from California HSIs to mobilize support for an HSI board and task force and coordinate statewide efforts in preparation for HACU’s FY26 state legislation agenda, which would include introducing a state HSI designation.

The discussion began with featured remarks by Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes of California’s 29th District. Speaking at the summit were Rowena M. Tomaneng, Ed.D., deputy chancellor, California Community Colleges; Claudia L. Martinez, associate vice provost for educator programs, University of California Office of the President; David Gamboa, assistant vice chancellor for strategic engagement, California State University; Alberto J. Román, D.P.A., chancellor, Los Angeles Community College District; and Greg Smith, chancellor, San Diego Community College District.

The California HSI Summit was part of HACU’s 39th Annual Conference, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Forging Transformational Leaders to Uplift Democracy and Prosperity,” held Nov. 1-3, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado.

Additional photos from the event can be viewed here.