Dr. Vivian Ekchian is a lifelong educator and learner, visionary leader, and champion for equity with a relentless focus on accelerating student outcomes. She recently served as superintendent of the Glendale Unified School District, the third largest school district in Los Angeles County, serving 24,600 students in grades PreK-12.

Having served more than 35 years as an urban school district educator, she has a proven track record of implementing reform in complex systems. Her refined ability to develop leadership and talent, focusing internal and external educational partners on a common goal and building coherence, has benefited countless students, employees, families, and community members. Much of her success stems from her life experiences, including a multicultural upbringing and journey to Southern California as an immigrant. As superintendent, she has been instrumental in building partnerships with outside organizations to close the digital divide, provide dual college enrollment and internship opportunities for students, open health and wellness centers at every middle and high school, and expand the district’s before and after school childcare program.

As a lifelong learner, in March 2022, she completed the Fellowship for Public Education Leadership sponsored by the Broad Center at Yale School of Management. She has a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern California; a Master’s degree in educational administration from the University of California, Los Angeles; and a Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from California State University Northridge.

Dr. Ekchian was named the 2022 Superintendent of the Year for Los Angeles County. She is an honoree of the 2023 Women of the Year by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women. Additionally, she is the recipient of a Heart & Excellence Award from the YWCA, Distinguished Educator Award from California State University Los Angeles, and Women in Educational Leadership Outstanding Contributions to Education Award.

A firm believer in empowering students to lead us next and the unparalleled power of education to transform lives, Dr. Ekchian remains committed to providing a world-class, globally competitive education to all students in order to ensure they are college, career, and life ready.