SVP Kawanna Leggett Honored as Woman of the Year by California Legislative Women’s Caucus

Senior Vice President Kawanna Leggett, Ed.D., has been named a 2026 Woman of the Year by the California Legislative Women's Caucus, one of the state's most prestigious honors for women making a lasting impact in their communities. Leggett, who leads Student Affairs, was personally selected by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas to represent Senate District 28, in recognition of her outstanding leadership in higher education. On March 16, 2026, she joined 42 distinguished women from across California in a historic commemoration on the floor of the State Senate.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas and the California Legislative Women's Caucus and stand amongst a group of women who are shaping and leading our communities," said Leggett. "My work has always been guided by the belief that when we create spaces where students feel valued and empowered, we don't just change their trajectory, we change our shared future. I have always believed that education is the most powerful force for change we possess. That is the mission I wake up for every single day. I am so grateful and proud to be a champion for the voices of our students, because their potential is the reason I lead and the reason I hope for our collective future."

During the commemorative event, Senator Caroline Menjivar presented Senate Resolution 76 to proclaim March as Women's History Month. Established by the U.S. Congress in the 1980s, Women's History Month was established to acknowledge the significant contributions women have made to every field of American life that were largely undocumented and unknown. "Today, we pay homage to the extraordinary resilience and leadership of women across our communities," said Senator Menjivar. "Our honorees' lives and experiences reflect the communities they serve. These 42 women work for equity and opportunity for women every day, professionally or as activists. They reflect women's diversity, strength, and vision because women have the answers and the solutions. They and we stand on the shoulders of California greats that opened so many doors for us."

After adopting the resolutions, Smallwood-Cuevas escorted Leggett to the front of the Senate floor to pose for a photo with the senator and California Caucus representatives. Before the official ceremony, Woman of the Year honorees and representatives from the California Women's Caucus attended a small reception to meet legislative representatives, other honorees, and their guests. The organizers presented each honoree with a personalized framed certificate, a commemorative booklet featuring the honorees, and a Woman of the Year pin.

Since 2022, Leggett has served as the senior vice president for Student Affairs at Loyola Marymount University, overseeing numerous student support departments as a champion for students and equity. As a justice-oriented leader and student advocate, she has previously held senior roles at Washington University in St. Louis; UC Berkeley; and New York University. She earned a doctorate in education and actively participates in national higher education organizations.