July 18, 2025 – Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti was honored with a 2025 Latino
Business Award by the Pacific Coast Business Times (PBCT) on July 17 at the Limoneria
Ranch in Santa Paula. Dr. Lavariega Monforti was one of eight honorees chosen by PCBT
to receive the award, which is to recognize the achievements of Latina/o entrepreneurs,
educators, and community leaders in the region. 
Dr. Lavariega Monforti served as Interim Provost at CSUCI from Fall of 2024 to May of 2025 when she was awarded the permanent position. A first-generation college graduate and former community college transfer student, Lavariega Monforti’s leadership experience includes previous roles as Vice Provost and Accreditation Liaison Officer at CSUCI, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at California Lutheran University, Chair of Political Science at Pace University, and Associate Dean for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas–Pan American.