​As a first-generation college student, Dr. April Oquenda has fought for student success as a California State University educator for more than thirteen years. She leads with compassion and integrity in her classroom, her small business, and her volunteer efforts in Hayward. April believes in forming lasting relationships that can unite our community to put students first, to provide the stability we need, and to create a vision for true equity in our district. 

April has a passion for education because of the transformative power it has had in her own life. She comes from a working-class California family and is the daughter of an undocumented immigrant. Her mother was a baker in the local grocery store and her father was a stone mason. Battling addiction, April’s father was incarcerated for nearly her entire youth until he was ultimately deported. Though higher education didn't seem like it was in the cards, April was determined to go to college. 

April with her parents, Amedeo and Aletha

April with her undergraduate advisor, Dr. Dean Nelson, at graduation

She took classes at Crafton Community College in Yucaipa before transferring to a four-year university to become the first college graduate in her family, all the while working several jobs to forge her way.

​After graduation, April realized that her success would not have been possible without the teachers who believed in her success. She enrolled in a master’s program at CSU San Marcos (CSUSM), which included the opportunity to teach undergraduate students. In her first role as an instructor, she determined to give back the gift of excellent education that her teachers and professors had given to her. She completed her degree in literature and writing studies in 2010.

Following her master’s work, April attended Claremont Graduate University while she continued teaching at CSU. She graduated in 2016 with a PhD in English.

​During the last thirteen years as an educator, April has taught a variety of undergraduate courses in the fields of composition, creative writing, poetry, literature, cultural studies, critical inquiry, business communications, and English Language Learning. She currently teaches in the Departments of English and Business at CSU Stanislaus and has been a proud member of the California Faculty Association for more than a decade. April is committed to working with the community to ensure that all students in Hayward are ready for college, career, and life. 

April getting "hooded" for her PhD at Claremont Graduate University

April with her students in Business Communications at CSU Stanislaus

April is also a small-business owner. Combining her interest in health and wellness with her skills as a teacher, April started instructing yoga classes at Castro Valley Yoga. 

April serves as team lead for the Climate Justice Committee for League of Women Voters of the United States because part of taking care of our students means ensuring they have a healthy planet on which they can thrive. She also serves as Deputy Area Director of Social Policy for the League of Women Voters of California. Her passion for equity and sustainability fuel her volunteer work. 

For Hayward schools to thrive, the school board needs leaders who will fight for equity and expanded opportunities for our students, families, and educators. April works hard to ensure that every student in Hayward experiences the transformative power of education. 

Learn more about April's Work while serving on the board for Hayward Unified School District. 

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