Riverside Unified Superintendent Selected for Prestigious, National Yale Leadership Fellowship

Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas has been selected as one of 26 education leaders across the nation to join the 2026-27 Fellowship for Public Education Leadership, an executive leadership program hosted by The Broad Center at Yale School of Management (SOM).

The Fellowship for Public Education Leadership brings together senior leaders from public school systems across the country to strengthen executive leadership practices and apply research-based strategies that improve student outcomes. The program emphasizes peer learning and collaboration, providing Fellows the opportunity to engage with one another as well as nationally recognized practitioners and Yale faculty

This fall, Dr. Llamas and the 2026-27 cohort will participate in immersive, week-long leadership residencies at Yale School of Management designed to strengthen their leadership capacity and equip them with insights from management research that can be applied to the complex challenges facing public education.

“It is an incredible honor to join this community of leaders who share a deep commitment to serving students and strengthening public education,” Dr. Llamas said. “Leadership begins with learning, and I am grateful to the Riverside Unified Board of Education for supporting opportunities that strengthen our work on behalf of students. This fellowship is an opportunity to learn alongside exceptional leaders from across the country, exchange ideas, and bring those insights back to Riverside Unified as we continue implementing our Strategic Plan and creating extraordinary opportunities for every scholar.”

Dr. Llamas serves as superintendent of Riverside Unified School District, one of California's largest and most diverse public school systems, serving more than 38,000 students across 51 schools. A first-generation college graduate, bilingual educator, and licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Llamas has dedicated more than 30 years to creating the conditions where students, educators, and communities can thrive by strengthening schools, developing leaders, and building systems that expand opportunities for every learner.

Since becoming Riverside Unified's 13th superintendent in July 2025, Dr. Llamas has focused on advancing the district's vision of providing engaging, innovative, and equitable learning experiences while strengthening academic achievement, student well-being, family partnerships, and future-ready opportunities for every scholar.

The fellowship comes as Riverside Unified begins implementing its newly adopted five-year Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of Education in June 2026. Developed under the vision of the Board of Education and through extensive engagement with students, families, employees, and community partners, the plan establishes four strategic goals focused on accelerating student outcomes, expanding college and career pathways, supporting student well-being and belonging, and strengthening district systems, talent, and partnerships to better serve every scholar.

“Partnership is one of our district's core values and a guiding principle throughout our Strategic Plan," Dr. Llamas said. "The fellowship reflects Riverside Unified’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring every scholar benefits from innovative leadership, strong systems, and extraordinary learning opportunities.”