Source: News4UsOnline
Carson, CA (News4usOnline) – In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are under increasing political and public scrutiny, Dr. Bobbie Porter stands at the forefront of transformative leadership. As the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), Porter is driving systemic change with a clear message: equity is not optional.
Her bold initiatives and unapologetic approach have positioned CSUDH as a beacon of progress in higher education, standing strong in the face of uncertainty while many other institutions scale back their DEI policies.
Dr. Porter’s journey into DEI leadership blends personal conviction and professional experience. Before joining CSUDH, she served as the Chief Diversity Officer at CSU Fullerton and the Chief Equity Officer for the Tennessee Board of Regents. At CSUDH, she’s implemented initiatives across campus to integrate equity into curriculum, faculty recruitment, and student services.
“We have a long history of this social justice orientation; it’s in our DNA. It’s a big part of who we are,” says Porter. “I’ve heard folks on our campus talk about our social justice roots, but when we are talking about our origin, it’s really a racial justice uprising. In fact, coming into this role a couple of years ago, I was the first person to be the campus-wide DEI officer. Since then, what I’ve been more focused on is developing the structures so these efforts are not just individual actions but a matter of daily practice. It’s in the way we navigate, the way we make decisions, and the way we provide support services. This focus ensures that it becomes a fundamental part of who we are. Moving forward, the goal is to shift from individual willingness to embedding these practices into the structures of the campus, which is the vision I have for this work. The question I constantly ask is: how do we build on our social justice orientation and align our practices and procedures with the passion that’s inherently there?”
Porter has expanded CSUDH’s equity audit process, implemented inclusive hiring practices, and created training programs. In March 2025, she was named one of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s Top 40 Women in Higher Education for her transformative work.
“Diversity officers are connectors. There’s very little that we do that doesn’t require collaboration across units. So, when I’m thinking about how we are ensuring access for various benefits of the institution, we do this through those connections. We’re working with other units on campus to make adjustments to our existing practices and policies, with the aim of eliminating barriers to access,” she explains.
Porter’s influence extends beyond CSUDH. She leads DEI workshops nationwide and advocates for open dialogue on race and identity. Despite the growing political backlash against DEI in some sectors, Dr. Porter remains unwavering.
“The challenges are just responding to all the changes that are happening nationally. For example, policies on immigration—policies that one wouldn’t think impact higher education—do. Many of our employees are immigrants themselves or have life partners who are immigrants, and they’re directly impacted by what’s happening. Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been focused on responding to these changes. My response on one hand, it’s external, addressing the inquiries regarding long-held activities that are now deemed exclusionary. On the other hand, I spend significant time demonstrating care and support for others, as we continue to navigate these uncertain times,” Porter adds.
As CSUDH continues to build upon its legacy as a Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving Institution, Dr. Porter’s leadership ensures that equity isn’t just a statement of values—but a living, evolving practice that touches every part of campus life.
“As a result, there’s no need to change anything. Nothing needs to go away, and I hope that remains the case,” Porter concludes.
