CCBA Pioneer Award

Assemblymember Jose Medina

Jose Medina was elected in November 2012 to represent California’s 61st Assembly District, which consists of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, and Mead Valley. He currently serves as chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education.

Mr. Medina has been a steadfast voice for students, teachers, families, and the Inland Empire, championing legislation and securing funds for higher education, healthcare accessibility, affordable housing, the arts, and social justice. He authored AB 101, making California the first state to mandate Ethnic Studies as a high school graduation requirement.

Since his first term, Mr. Medina has secured $25 million in on-going funds to the UC Riverside School of Medicine, $9.7 million to support the development of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture and Industry, $3.5 million for the development of the Mission Heritage Plaza, and $7 million to support the restoration and preservation of the Harada House.

Assemblymember Medina is a proud UC Riverside alumnus, with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies, and a master’s degree in History. He has two adult children and two grandchildren. He currently resides in Riverside with his wife, Linda.

Becky Nutt 

Believing in community involvement Becky Nutt committed her time to her communities. She ran for political office, participated in several local leadership groups, and graduated from the Arizona statewide leadership program, Project CENTRL.

Nutt served in the Arizona House Legislature from 2017 to 2021, representing Legislative District 14. Seeing the need in her community and her state, Rep. Becky Nutt worked tirelessly with colleges, corporations, and across the aisle to make baccalaureate degrees for all Arizonians a reality.