Ricardo Padilla, Jr. joined the School of Engineering (SoE) in 2019 and is now the Programs Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in STEM.
Serving as the Chair for the Engineering Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Council, he oversees the “Walking the Walk Together” panel discussion series. Ricardo also serves as Program Coordinator for the school’s outreach programs (VES, SEEDs, and SES). He is the point of contact in supporting our student body, student organizations, student international travel for international senior design projects, community partner liaison, and now managing the new Diversity & Inclusion Student Center (DISC). DISC will affirm the Jesuit vision of social justice and cura personalis. Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM by creating a safe space in which all STEM students feel heard, represented, and included, serving our student population, in both the School of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences.
Padilla has a background as an educator, community volunteer, counselor, education administrator, and a mental health and STEM advocate. Prior to Santa Clara University, he managed multiple school programs supporting students, both academically and socio-emotionally, to be better prepared for postsecondary education and learn life skills. In 2018 he was named one of the "Hayward Heroes" by the Hayward Education Foundation, and one of the 2018 "40 Under 40 Alumni" by Cal State East Bay and the Cal State East Bay Alumni Association; both for his work in education and work in the community.
Ricardo Padilla, Jr. has a B.A. in Psychology from Cal State East Bay.