| Education |
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), University of Southern California; |
|---|---|
| Credentials | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Clear Administrative Services Credential |
| Past Roles | Orange County Department of Education Associate Superintendent; Santa Ana USD Executive Director of Equity & Wellness; Leadership roles in LAUSD and Pasadena USD |
|
Languages |
Fluent in English and Spanish |
| Expertise | Equity systems, student wellness, academic excellence, community engagement |
| Honors | 2025 Woman of the Year in Education, U.S. Congressman Lou Correa |
| Personal | Wife to a middle school teacher; mother of three public school students; enjoys hiking, travel, movies, and the arts. |
Dr. Sonia Llamas brings more than 30 years of service to California’s students, schools, and families.
A licensed clinical social worker and experienced district leader, she has dedicated her career to building equitable systems that uplift every learner.
Before joining Riverside Unified School District as Superintendent, Dr. Llamas served as Chief Academic Officer and Associate Superintendent of Educational and Student Services at the Orange County Department of Education. Prior to that, she led equity and wellness efforts at Santa Ana Unified, where she developed nationally recognized programs supporting student wellbeing and achievement. Her leadership also spans Los Angeles and Pasadena Unified, where she helped scale student success systems that combined data-driven decisions with deep community partnerships.
Dr. Llamas is known for her inclusive leadership, unwavering commitment to equity, and ability to inspire high-performing, mission-driven teams. Fluent in Spanish and a first-generation college graduate, she understands the power of public education to transform lives—and works every day to make that promise real for students.
Fun fact: Dr. Llamas has gone skydiving, bungee jumping, and mountain climbing!
"RUSD’s commitment to equity, excellence, and community mirrors the foundation of my leadership journey.
It reflects not just what I do, but who I am."-Dr. Sonia Llamas, Superintendent, RUSD
Dr. Llamas brings a collaborative, student-centered vision to RUSD—one rooted in listening, partnership, and progress. In her welcome message, she shares three guiding values that will shape her leadership:
Listening and Learning First
Dr. Llamas is committed to connecting with students, families, educators, and staff across every corner of the district. She believes listening is the first step to building trust and ensuring every voice is heard.
Every Student's Future Starts With Us
At the heart of her work is a deep belief in the potential of each and every child. Whether it’s through academic opportunity, social-emotional supports, or inclusive practices, she is focused on creating schools where students thrive.
Partnership with Purpose
She knows that schools don’t succeed in isolation. That’s why she is prioritizing strong, transparent partnerships—with families, staff, and the broader community—to build momentum for the future we all want for RUSD students.
“My promise to you is that I will lead with integrity, clarity, and care.
Together, we will build a system that is strong, responsive, and deeply committed to our children’s futures.”-Dr. Sonia Llamas, Superintendent, RUSD