Dean Frances Contreras recognized for commitment to equity and access in education by OCHYCC for Women’s History Month
By Marc-Anthony Rosas
Irvine, Calif., March 12, 2024 — Frances Contreras, dean and professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Education, was recognized for her contributions to education and the community at the Women in Power event, hosted by Orange County Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce (OCHYCC) in partnership with Chapman University. The OCHYCC is an organization that connects culturally diverse college students with professional opportunities through career development, community engagement, and access to higher education to cultivate the future leaders of the Orange County community and beyond.
During the Women’s History Month celebration held today, Dean Contreras was honored for her leadership and dedication to equity and access in education, underscoring her significant impact on the academic landscape.
Irvine, Calif., March 12, 2024 — Frances Contreras, dean and professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Education, was recognized for her contributions to education and the community at the Women in Power event, hosted by Orange County Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce (OCHYCC) in partnership with Chapman University. The OCHYCC is an organization that connects culturally diverse college students with professional opportunities through career development, community engagement, and access to higher education to cultivate the future leaders of the Orange County community and beyond.
During the Women’s History Month celebration held today, Dean Contreras was honored for her leadership and dedication to equity and access in education, underscoring her significant impact on the academic landscape.
Dean Contreras is the first Chicana/Latina dean leading a School of Education in the UC System. She aims to prioritize equity, diversity, and racial justice, positioning the UCI School of Education as a leader in HSI and AANAPISI efforts, critical methodologies, teacher diversity, and educational innovation. Her research addresses equity and access issues for underrepresented students, which has been published in leading education journals like the American Education Research Journal and Harvard Educational Review.
Notably, she serves as principal investigator in a $5 million initiative, collaborating with the California Department of Education and Parent Institute for Quality Education in establishing California's inaugural statewide family engagement center to engage students and families from low-income and underrepresented communities. She also recently co-authored a pivotal report commissioned by the UC Office of the President, outlining recommendations for the University of California to become a Hispanic-Serving Research Institution (HSRI) system.
In 2021, Dean Contreras received a lifetime achievement award from the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs and the Cesar Chavez Faculty Award. Also that year, on Dec. 17, the City of San Diego honored her with Dr. Frances Contreras Day in recognition of her leadership and service.
Notably, she serves as principal investigator in a $5 million initiative, collaborating with the California Department of Education and Parent Institute for Quality Education in establishing California's inaugural statewide family engagement center to engage students and families from low-income and underrepresented communities. She also recently co-authored a pivotal report commissioned by the UC Office of the President, outlining recommendations for the University of California to become a Hispanic-Serving Research Institution (HSRI) system.
In 2021, Dean Contreras received a lifetime achievement award from the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs and the Cesar Chavez Faculty Award. Also that year, on Dec. 17, the City of San Diego honored her with Dr. Frances Contreras Day in recognition of her leadership and service.