Alberto Román, who grew up in the Mexican state of Durango before moving to California as a child, now serves as chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District, according to a Mar. 16 article.
Román’s story highlights the experiences and challenges faced by many immigrants who come to the United States seeking better opportunities. His personal journey from being an undocumented immigrant and English language learner to leading one of the largest community college districts in the country reflects broader themes about access to education and upward mobility.
As a boy, Román watched his father, Javier, travel north from Mexico to work various jobs in order to support their family. “He was a guy you would find at Home Depot,” Román told LAist. “He did whatever it took to put food on the table and provide [his family] with shelter.” The family’s eventual move to Rialto introduced new challenges for Román, including adapting as an English language learner and navigating life as a teenage parent.
Despite these obstacles, Román became a naturalized U.S. citizen and achieved academic success as a first-generation college graduate who later earned a doctorate degree. Today he oversees nine campuses serving more than 200,000 students across Los Angeles.
Román’s leadership role at the district stands as an example of how individuals can overcome significant barriers through education and determination.
