Her Story
About Alicia
Alicia Kruizenga is an experienced higher education leader with 23 years in the field. She currently serves as Dean of Student Affairs at Rio Hondo College, a role she has held for 11 years. In this capacity, she oversees admissions and records, financial aid, international students, veterans services, and discipline. She provides comprehensive wraparound support for students facing barriers such as housing insecurity, foster care backgrounds, domestic violence, and the needs of first-generation and veteran students. Previously, she served as Acting Vice President at Rio Hondo College for six months, where she implemented changes and new programs. Her career in higher education began in 2003 as Associate Director of Scholarships at Long Beach City College after working in public relations at Disney and high-tech firms. A first-generation California community college student, she holds a degree in public relations and played a key role in developing the Long Beach College Promise program.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alicia
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely say, to speak. I feel like, a lot of times we are in the room, and, you know, I don't know if it's just being female, but we don't, you know, we'll have great ideas, and we don't speak first. We let others take the lead, and then once we kind of get the gauge of the room, then we kind of, you know, sometimes we'll sit there, but we still won't really give our opinion. Definitely, I no longer am like that. Sometimes that gets us in trouble. When I have an opinion, I will definitely say it. Definitely fight always for my students.
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