Ms. Yajayra Tovar received her M.A. in education and a B.A. in psychology both from California State University Dominquez Hills. In her professional role, Ms. Tovar has 20 years of experience in supporting historically underrepresented college students. As of August, 2018, Ms. Tovar has served in the role of Director for the Center for Scholars at Cal State Fullerton, where she provides leadership and is responsible for the oversight of the center and serves a diverse student population that includes Abrego Future Scholars, Guardian Scholars, President Scholars, Nicolas Academic Scholars and Simon Scholars. She finds inspiration in developing initiatives that create more equitable, and inclusive opportunities for all students.
Ms. Tovar has also served as the Assistant Director of the Center for Scholars at Cal State Fullerton, where she assisted in the leadership, implementation, and assessment of policies, activities and programs. She was responsible for overseeing the Guardian Scholars program where she increased support for former foster youth, aligned services with statewide initiatives and launched the Foster Friendly Ally program that educates the CSUF community about foster care and trauma. Ms. Tovar supports community partners by sharing best practices and providing feedback about their program model. Before arriving to CSUF, she served as a financial aid administrator, counselor and program coordinator for Cerritos Community College, where she demonstrated a high level of service and support to students and the campus in general.
She values equity, diversity and inclusion and has dedicated herself to closing the achievement and equity gap. By providing holistic and transformational opportunities, she is preparing all students to become leaders and inspiring role models in their communities.
In her spare time, Ms. Tovar also volunteers with Together We Rise, a non-profit organization that supports foster youth. She loves music, art, time with family and friends, and reading inspirational books.