As part of our ongoing commitment to student empowerment through Lowriding, the RIDE Conference at Skyline College proudly launched the BLVDSS (Building Leaders and Visionaries to Drive Student Success) Leadership Series this Spring.
This three-week program centered around lowriding, cultura and leadership development, included an immersive educational trip to San Diego — including a visit to San Diego State University and attendance of the 55th Annual Chicano Park Day commemoration in Barrio Logan on April 19, 2025.
Throughout the leadership series, students engaged in an in-depth exploration of Chicano culture and the historical and cultural significance of lowriding as a symbol of resilience, representation, and community leadership. The program also emphasized the role of storytelling and cultural expression as vital tools for leadership development, empowering students to express their narratives to educate, inspire, and lead with authenticity.
This transformative series concluded with a powerful cultural and academic immersion trip to San Diego, where student leaders, all who served as volunteers during last Fall’s RIDE Conference, visited San Diego State University and engaged in the vibrant community celebration of Chicano Park Day. The experience provided a living classroom where students witnessed cultural pride, activism, and leadership in motion.
By rooting leadership development in cultural knowledge and expression, the BLVDSS series strives to help Skyline College students lead with authenticity, purpose, and pride.
This series would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of our incredible partners and contributors. Special thanks to workshop facilitators Dr. John Ulloa and Ricardo “Mr. Lowrider Fever” Cortez for guiding students through cultural and historical insights. We also extend our gratitude to Angela Serrano, Puente Counselor, and the Puente Program for their role in student engagement and support throughout the RIDE Conference & BLVDSS series.
Article written by Dionicio Garcia & Angela Serrano
Photos provided by our BLVDSS participants
