Claudia Catota

Claudia Catota is the Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President at California State University, Bakersfield. Claudia has over fifteen years of experience working in the public and private sector on issues of equity and diversity.

Claudia began their career as an Equal Employment Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, where they investigated complaints of discrimination and harassment. Claudia then worked as a Bilingual Investigator and Conciliator for the City of Madison's Department of Civil Rights, before moving to California to take on their current role.

In their current position, Claudia provides leadership and oversight for all diversity initiatives at CSU Bakersfield. Claudia is also responsible for developing and implementing programs and policies to ensure that the university is an inclusive environment for all students, staff, and faculty.

Claudia Catota has a Doctor of Education from The Johns Hopkins University, a Doctor of Law from University of Wisconsin Law School with a focus in Latin American Studies, a Master of Arts from California State University, Los Angeles in Latin American Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Los Angeles in African-American/Black Studies.

Claudia Catota works with Heath Niemeyer - Interim VP for University Advancement, Thom Davis - VP & CFO, Business and Administrative Services, and Ronald Ronnie Gomez - University Counsel. Their manager is Lynnette Zelezny, President. A direct report to Claudia Catota is and Marcus Brown - Director of Equity, Inclusion & Compliance.