David Vela: Pioneering Inclusive Education and LGBTQIA+ Leadership within the Los Angeles Community College District
In the diverse landscape of Los Angeles, David Vela emerges as a transformative leader and a symbol of hope for the community. A dedicated member of the Board of Trustees for the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), David’s journey is marked by a relentless commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, and enhancing the educational environment for all students.
According to David, “it takes an impactful moment in time for people to be really motivated about anything.” At a young age, he did not understand inequality in America, but he noticed the importance of education. David says, “I began this real robust interest in ensuring that people in my community were able to access education.” His first step was entering the field of politics at 13 years old where he held leadership roles in the Associated Student Body (ASB) for four years in high school. David served as the ASB president his senior year, delivering monthly reports to the Board of Education which fueled his interest in leadership, politics, and education.
David received his bachelor’s degree in biological anthropology from UCLA and his master’s from Pepperdine University in public policy. He then pursued a political career and later found himself running for the Montebello Unified School District (MUSD) Board of Education, which was a full-circle moment to have someone from an underrepresented community on the Board.
David attended school within the MUSD where he witnessed his community’s challenges and immense potential. His deep-rooted connection to his hometown of Boyle Heights fueled his desire to make a tangible difference. After becoming a MUSD board member, David was able to implement educational opportunities in a formidable and formal way across the district where he graduated.
David’s presence on the LACCD Board of Trustees is more than just representation; it is a powerful statement of inclusion and advocacy. David was the first LGBTQIA+ and multicultural individual who ran for office, saying, “it’s very hard for people to wrap their heads around the fact that there should be a special category for representation on the Board for someone LGBTQIA+.” He worked diligently to convince fellow board members that his representation was needed and that there was a place for it. David expressed “I think we are getting there, and I think the board understands more now why it’s important to have a colleague that’s LGBTQIA+.”
During David’s Board of Trustees presidency for the LACCD, his leadership was instrumental in securing millions of dollars in state funding and resources. These funds have been pivotal in enhancing educational facilities, expanding academic programs, and providing essential support services for LGBTQIA+ students. Under his guidance, the district has seen significant improvements.
One of the areas that was an ongoing conversation was whether it was the responsibility of the colleges to help their students with housing and food. Six years ago, it was not a priority when he joined the board. Today, it is. David shares “I’m really excited and proud of our student Basic Needs Centers that we’ve opened at each of our colleges.” The centers provide vouchers for food, referrals for housing, and a Metro GoPass to the students.
David’s work advocating for state funds was a labor of love for many people. He says, “we had so much advocacy coming from the LGBTQ Caucus of the state of California, such as LGBTQIA+ assembly members, senators, and state officials that helped us push this budget allocation to make it permanent.” The money was also used to create PRIDE Centers on all nine LACCD campuses to provide support, and resources to LGBTQIA+ students.
David shares that the goal of the Board of Trustees is to improve the LACCD. He pushed for and spearheaded these initiatives because he believed it was part of the job. His commitment to bettering the LACCD extends beyond David’s term as president. In his current role on the board, he serves as the Chair of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on LGBTQ Affairs and the Chair of the Facilities of Master Planning and Operations Committee. In these leadership roles, he continues to defend policies and programs prioritizing student success and inclusivity. He is also particularly focused on creating opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students to ensure they feel supported and valued on campus.
As David reflected on his last words of wisdom for aspiring LGBTQIA+ leaders, he shared that success stems from embracing allies who “support and fight for equality with us,” coalition building, and creating unrestricted learning environments using non-biased materials.
David Vela’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, advocacy, and community. His dedication to the LACCD and the broader LGBTQIA+ community has left an indelible mark in Los Angeles. David not only honors the community that raised him, but also paves the way for future leaders to rise and make a difference because one individual can create lasting change.
For more information about LACCD and their commitment to fostering student success through equitable opportunities, visit laccd.edu.
