CALSA Honors Retiring Executive Director for More Than 25 Years of Vision, Service and Heart

Sacramento, CA— The California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) has announced the retirement of Executive Director Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere, following more than 25 years of distinguished service, dedicated advocacy and leadership. The announcement was made during a surprise tribute at CALSA's 2025 Summer Institute Honoring Our Own Gala on June 27, where Immediate Past President Dr. Roxane Fuentes described Ceja-Lariviere's legacy in three words: grace, generosity and corazón.

As Dr. Fuentes concluded her remarks, the audience rose in a standing ovation, a testament to Ceja-Lariviere's decades of leadership and service in roles including regional director, executive board member, mentor, president, co-executive director and executive director of the organization.

"As we celebrate Ofelia's career, we are not just marking a retirement; we are honoring a legacy built with vision, purpose and corazón," said CALSA President Dr. Juan Manuel Santos. "Her leadership expanded CALSA's reach, opened doors for aspiring Latino leaders and strengthened the systems that support them. She leads with heart and humility, and her impact will be felt for generations."

Throughout her tenure, Ceja-Lariviere supported the organization's growth by strengthening leadership pipelines, increasing statewide membership, introducing programs and overseeing daily operations. She worked in close collaboration with the board, staff, partners, members and, CALSA’s affiliate and affinity groups, building strong, collaborative relationships that fostered unity and amplified the collective impact of these organizations. Her efforts were instrumental in shaping and implementing a strategic vision that continues to guide CALSA’s mission and uphold its core values.

Beyond her leadership at CALSA, Ceja-Lariviere’s professional journey spans nearly four decades in public education. She has served as a teacher, district administrator and superintendent. She currently works as an Executive Leadership Coach with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and Pomona Unified School District. In addition, she remains active on the ACSA Region 12 Board of Retired Educational Managers and serves as Director of Sponsorships for ACSA Region XV. Ceja-Lariviere has also held leadership roles in various community and professional organizations, supporting early education access and broader advocacy efforts.

In addition to her ongoing leadership, she values her role as a wife, mother of two, and grandmother of three.

"I am immensely proud of all of the accomplishments that my mom has achieved throughout her career," said Erin Lariviere, daughter of Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere. "As an English learner, she had to overcome so much to get to where she is today, and she has always done so with elegance and grace. As a current assistant principal, she has inspired me to be a supportive, patient educator and leader by building a sense of community among my staff. I am so honored to have such a great role model in my life, and I aspire to be like her each and every day."

Ceja-Lariviere's influence as a mentor has extended beyond her family, impacting countless educators statewide through  CALSA's statewide Mentorship Program. During the Honoring Our Own Gala, Dr. Antoinette Gutierrez, a former protégé from Cohort 17 who Ceja-Lariviere mentored during a pivotal time in her career, shared her reflections:

"I went through a tough transition. Ofelia was my mentor at the time and truly helped me through it. Her calm, supportive check-ins and ability to see me virtually or in person made a real difference. I knew she cared about me and wanted to support me in becoming my best self. I still see her as an example of grace and professionalism in challenging times."

The tribute concluded with Ceja-Lariviere being presented with a bouquet of flowers and a commemorative plaque. Surrounded onstage by CALSA’s regional directors, the moment gave way to a heartfelt group embrace. The ballroom was filled with tears, laughter, joy and countless hugs, as music and dancing brought the evening to a close.

While Ceja-Lariviere will step down from her role at the end of July, she will continue to support CALSA by offering guidance and assistance, and by serving in an advisory capacity throughout the leadership transition.

"I am proud of the work we have done together, the impact we have made in our school systems across the state, the partnerships we've built, the leaders we've mentored and the stories we've elevated," said Ceja-Lariviere. “Above all, I am forever grateful for the respect and acknowledgment and sense of belonging this CALSA familia has shown me throughout the years. You have enriched my life in ways that words can hardly capture. I carry not only memories of shared accomplishments but countless moments of joy, resilience and unity that defines this community.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Photo 1: CALSA Executive Director Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere is honored during a surprise retirement celebration at the annual Honoring Our Own Gala on June 27.