HACU taps CSUB staffers for Latinx leadership programs

National organization selects Jorge Villatoro, Claudia Catota

By California State University, Bakersfield

October 2^nd, 2023

A national organization that represents two-thirds of Hispanic college students in the United States has named two representatives of California State University, Bakersfield to serve in leadership development programs designed to increase the number of Latinx leaders at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) like CSUB.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has selected Jorge Villatoro — a specialist in the Division of Equity, Inclusion and Compliance — to participate in the inaugural cohort of its Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program. Villatoro is one of only 56 participants selected from throughout the nation to begin the program this fall.

“President Zelezny shared the opportunity with me and encouraged me to apply,” said Villatoro, who works in the Office of the President at CSUB. “You miss every shot you don’t take, I heard someone once say. So, I took my shot.”

Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President Claudia Catota was one of 50 fellows invited to join the fifth cohort of HACU’s Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo. The program is designed to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education.

“I’m deeply honored to have this opportunity,” said Catota, who has worked at the university for 10 years. “For me, this is an opportunity to learn about leadership from the largest national organization advocating for HSIs and current Latino presidents. This leadership program also aligns with the work CSUB has been doing to become a more intentional serving HSI, including what the designation means for our university and community, and student success.”

When Villatoro and Catota travel to Chicago later this month for their Capitol One-supported fellowships, they will accompany 25 Roadrunners to HACU’s annual conference, which offers professional development, mentorship, networking opportunities and other support. Some ’Runners have even attained jobs because they directly interacted with the organization at the conference, Villatoro said.

“I remember one student, just this sense of thankfulness, that this opportunity was presented to them,” said Villatoro, an alumnus of CSUB’s master of public administration program. “I remember talking to that student and they teared up. I was sharing my experience and they said, ‘I feel like you’re talking about my journey.’ It was an affirmation for them, a reminder that they are surrounded by people who have had similar journeys and are here to help.”

CSUB has sent delegations of students to the HACU annual conference for the past five years, said Catota, who noted that expenses are paid by university travel scholarships. Like most of the CSUB students who attend the HACU conference, Catota and Villatoro are first-generation college students and understand that the hopes of an entire family often ride on the shoulders of a single student.

“I remember being at a presentation from one of our CSU’s at a HACU conference, and they talked about their Chicano Commencement Ceremony, like we have here at CSUB,” Villatoro said. “But their process is a little different. When the student walks up to be honored, they walk with their parents on their arm because it’s a family accomplishment, especially for first-generation graduates.”

Villatoro will participate in both virtual and in-person programming covering academic and student affairs management, regional institutional accreditation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and higher education advocacy issues. Participants will also interact with a professional search firm during the six-month program.

Catota is among current and former presidents, chancellors and senior administrators in the yearlong Leadership Academy, a cross-section that includes private/public universities, community colleges and faith-based institutions. Mentorship with a university president or senior-level administrator is a key component, as well as the development of a special project designed to have an impact at the fellow’s current institution.

“CSUB has seen an increase in Latino student enrollment over the past 10 years,” Catota noted. “Through this fellowship I hope to identify opportunities for our CSUB students and learn what can we do to serve the diverse student population to our fullest potential. On a personal level, I hope to learn from national leaders, connect with mentors, and be in community with other fellows at HSIs and emerging HSIs.”