Riverbank Mayor Rachel Hernandez and members of the City Council proclaimed March as Women’s History Month at their March 11 meeting. They presented the proclamation to Elizabeth Rodarte, of the Riverbank Unified School District.
Rodarte is Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Interventions with the district. She has been a relentless advocate for equity, inclusion, and student success, noted the mayor.
Her journey began as a Parent Involvement Specialist for Montebello Unified School District, where she empowered families—especially those from marginalized communities—to have a voice in their children’s education.
Officials went on to add that her passion for advocacy is “deeply rooted in her own upbringing, where she served as an interpreter for her non-English-speaking” parents, bridging gaps in a system that offered little support for Spanish-speaking families. This early experience shaped her commitment to ensuring all students and families have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Rodarte holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Spanish from the University of La Verne, two Master of Arts degrees in Special Education from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University.
The month of March is designated by Presidential proclamation as Women’s History Month to honor the contributions and accomplishments of women in American history.
In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation and declared the week of March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week.
Amongst its many citations, the city’s proclamation noted women’s activities recognized through the years.
“American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which create a more fair and just society for all.”
They noted that “Elizabeth’s work with the CASA Collaborative and our regional community partners has strengthened essential programs, fostering unity and opportunity for those we serve. She has embodied the very essence of our district’s guiding principle: One Town. One Team. One Dream.”
The presentation concluded with the City Council of the City of Riverbank proclaiming March 2025 as “Women’s History Month” and the council urged “the Riverbank community to recognize “Women’s History Month” by celebrating with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
