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The student trustee is the student voice on the board of trustees.

The student trustee represents the interests of the entire community and provides perspective to ensure that future students will be well-served. In addition to serving on the board of trustees, the student trustee chairs the Student Advisory Committee, which provides a forum for communication and exchange of ideas, information, and concerns among students.

Eligibility

To be eligible to run for student trustee, a student must be:

  • A California resident
  • Enrolled in at least five units at any Los Rios college
  • In good standing of attendance (grade point average of at least 2.0) and not on academic notice

Term of Office

The term of office is one year and runs from June through May.

Elections

Student trustee elections are held during the spring semester each year. The next election will be held in 2027.

Current Student Trustee

Leonardo Torres Ruvalcaba

Leonardo Torres Ruvalcaba

June 2026 to May 2027

Leonardo Torres Ruvalcaba brings a strong commitment to student advocacy, leadership, and community service to the Los Rios Community College District Board as Student Trustee. Originally from a rural farming town in Northern California, Leonardo moved to Sacramento to pursue new educational opportunities and personal growth. Since joining the Los Rios community, he has become deeply engaged in campus leadership and student representation.

As Vice President of the Clubs and Events Board at Sacramento City College, Leonardo works closely with more than 30 student organizations, helping foster student engagement, inclusion, and campus community. His leadership is grounded in firsthand experience navigating the challenges many students face, including balancing a rigorous academic schedule, employment, and family responsibilities.

Leonardo is passionate about ensuring that all students have access to the support and resources they need to succeed. He has advocated for students at the local, state, and federal levels, including traveling to Washington, D.C. to speak with the office of Representative Doris Matsui about the importance of equitable college funding. His experiences have strengthened his belief that student voices deserve meaningful representation in decision-making spaces.

As Student Trustee, Leonardo is committed to advancing equity, accessibility, and opportunity for all Los Rios students. He believes in servant leadership and strives to leave the district stronger and more supportive for future generations of students.

Recent Past Student Trustees

  • Brianna Pham, 2025 to 2026
  • Mehdi Sougrati, 2024 to 2025
  • John (Jay) Doherty, 2023 to 2024
  • Trajan Robinson, 2022 to 2023
  • Jenn Galinato, 2021 to 2022
  • Toni Schiffmaier, 2020 to 2021
  • Isabella-Marie Engel, 2019 to 2020
  • Danny Thirakul, 2018 to 2019
  • Evan Nguyen, 2017 to 2018
  • Marianna Sousa, 2016 to 2017
  • Cameron Weaver, 2015 to 2016
  • Omba Kipuke, 2014 to 2015
  • Ricardo Lemus, 2013 to 2014

Documents

Legal Requirements

State law requires that governing boards of community college districts have at least one non-voting member who is chosen by the students. Read Education Code 72023.5 for more information.