META EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
RIGO MARQUEZ, PHD
Education has the power to transform lives—but only when it’s inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the diverse communities it serves. This belief has guided me throughout my career as an educator, leader, and consultant. I’ve dedicated over two decades to advancing programs that center marginalized voices, build bridges between institutions and communities, and create learning environments where every student feels they belong and can thrive. My journey into education was inspired by my own lived experiences. Growing up in a working-class, immigrant community, I saw firsthand how systems of education often failed to reflect or support the identities and needs of students like me.
These experiences ignited my passion for creating more inclusive and just educational spaces—ones that don’t simply acknowledge diversity but actively empower it.
In my career, I have been a faculty member at the following institutions:
CSU-Dominguez Hills
Columbia University
Mills College
Stanford University
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Maryland, College Park
University of San Francisco
I have prepared and supported over a thousand educators, administrators, leaders and youth to engage and develop transformative and social action oriented research, programs and initiatives aimed to uplift their communities. I have been an invited speaker across the the US, Canada and Mexico to share perspectives and ideas of how we can develop spaces and communities guided by social transformation and education.
What I Can Do
I partner with schools, universities, and organizations to design programs and strategies that meet the needs of today’s educators. My work focuses on fostering equity, building community partnerships, and developing innovative learning experiences that inspire youth, family and educators alike.
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Empowering Students: I’ve developed programs that create spaces of belonging for students who often feel excluded or underrepresented. By focusing on mentorship, leadership development, and identity-centered support, I’ve helped institutions foster environments where students can thrive academically and personally.
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Supporting Educators and Leaders: Through workshops, coaching, and leadership development initiatives, I equip educators and administrators with the tools they need to implement inclusive practices and equity-driven frameworks.
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Bridging Institutions and Communities: I specialize in building relationships between institutions and the communities they serve, creating partnerships that bring learning beyond the classroom and into students’ lived experiences.
Whether working on student retention, curriculum development, or leadership training, I bring a deep commitment to making education transformative, inclusive, and relevant to all learners.
Why I Do This Work
Education has always been personal to me. It’s not just about policies, programs, or numbers—it’s about people. I’ve seen how students flourish when they feel seen, heard, and valued. I’ve also seen the barriers that exist when systems fail to address the realities of students from marginalized backgrounds.
I believe that every student deserves a learning environment where they can see their own potential and feel empowered to reach it. My work focuses on breaking down those barriers, reimagining traditional approaches, and creating systems that center the strengths and identities of all students.
This work is not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about deeply listening to the needs of students, educators, and communities, and co-creating solutions that reflect their unique contexts and aspirations.
