CALSA's Summer Institute 2026

Dr. Sonia Llamas is Superintendent of Riverside Unified School District and has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing equality, well-being, and excellence across California’s public education system. A licensed clinical social worker and seasoned educational leader, she is a first-generation college graduate and fluent Spanish speaker who leads with both heart and strategy, grounded in the belief that public education has the power to transform lives.
Prior to joining Riverside Unified in July 2025, Dr. Llamas served as Chief Academic Officer and Associate Superintendent of Educational and Student Services at the Orange County Department of Education. Her career also includes senior leadership in Santa Ana Unified School District, where she served as Assistant Superintendent of K 12 School Performance and Culture, leading nationally recognized initiatives that advanced student wellness and belonging, improved student achievement, and strengthened systems for student success. She also held leadership roles in the Los Angeles Unified and Pasadena Unified School Districts, where she helped scale student success systems rooted in community, culture, and care.  She has served in roles spanning classified and certificated education and has also worked in foster family agencies and nonprofit organizations, including positions providing clinical supervision in support of children, youth, and families.
Recognized as the 2026 Woman of Distinction by Riverside County Board of Supervisor Jose Medina and 2025 Woman of the Year in Education by U.S. Congressman Lou Correa, Dr. Llamas is an active member of the Association of California School Administrators and the California Association of Latino School Administrators. She currently serves as CALSA Region 6 Director, supporting leaders across Southern California, and is also a member of the USC Dean’s Superintendent Advisory Group.  
Dr. Llamas earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master of Social Work and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from CSU Long Beach, and a BA in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley.