ROXANNE MENDEZ
Roxanne is the Executive Director of the Riordan Programs, which provide a pathway for underrepresented students to excel in business and leadership. Roxanne’s mission is to motivate young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds — often the first in their families to go to college — to consider and prepare for careers in management through education, mentorship, professional development and leadership training.
For over 30 years, the Riordan Programs have transformed the educational and professional aspirations of high school students, college students and recent college graduates from diverse backgrounds in underserved communities. More than 3,500 Riordan Scholars have graduated from the program, many moving on to study at the nation’s top universities, secure positions at elite companies and become local community and business leaders. Notable Riordan alumni include California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Professor Angélica S. Gutiérrez (Ph.D. ’12) of Loyola Marymount University, and Marla Bleavins, deputy executive director and CFO of the Port of Los Angeles.
Roxanne has been with the Riordan Programs since 2007, first serving as associate director. Roxanne is also the recipient of the Women of Philanthropy Award for her role in changing her community for the better, presented by Comerica Bank and the Los Angeles Lakers. Roxanne has also been selected as part of the Next Generation Latino Philanthropy Leaders Program by Hispanics in Philanthropy and is a member of Leadership California, a prestigious program for women leaders across the state of California.
Previously, Roxanne led a range of outreach efforts at the University of Southern California and as a grant consultant, establishing a pre-medical school program for underrepresented populations. Roxanne is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a B.S. in business administration. She received her graduate degree from the University of Southern California. Roxanne lives in the Los Angeles area.