Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas has been selected as one of 26 education leaders nationwide to join the 2026-27 Fellowship for Public Education Leadership, an executive leadership program hosted by The Broad Center at Yale School of Management.
The fellowship brings together senior leaders from public school systems across the country to strengthen executive leadership practices and apply research-based strategies aimed at improving student outcomes. The program centers on peer learning, giving Fellows the chance to work alongside nationally recognized practitioners and Yale faculty.
This fall, Dr. Llamas and the rest of the 2026-27 cohort will take part in week-long leadership residencies at Yale School of Management, designed to strengthen their leadership skills and connect management research to the 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 in a statement. "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 has served as RUSD superintendent since July 2025, becoming the district's 13th superintendent. RUSD serves more than 38,000 students across 51 schools. A first-generation college graduate, bilingual educator, and licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Llamas has spent more than 30 years working in public education, focused on strengthening schools, developing leaders, and expanding opportunities for students.
Since taking the role, Dr. Llamas has focused on advancing the district's vision for engaging, innovative, and equitable learning experiences, along with academic achievement, student well-being, family partnerships, and future-ready opportunities for students.
The fellowship comes as RUSD begins implementing its newly adopted five-year Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of Education in June 2026. The plan was developed with input from students, families, employees, and community partners, and sets four goals: accelerating student outcomes, expanding college and career pathways, supporting student well-being and belonging, and strengthening district systems, talent, and partnerships.
"Partnership is one of our district's core values and a guiding principle throughout our Strategic Plan," Dr. Llamas said in a statement. "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."
