My name is Rafael Iniguez and I am the new superintendent of Parlier Unified School District. As the child of migrant farm workers, growing up in the rural town of Parlier, I knew that education was key to changing my life and the lives of those around me. In 2002, I graduated as valedictorian of Parlier High School and at the age of 17, I made the decision of a lifetime—to accept a full ride scholarship and move across the country to become part of the 250th graduating class of University of Pennsylvania. The summer after I graduated from high school, I packed a single suitcase and moved into a campus dorm room in Philadelphia to be a part of a summer bridge program called the “Pre Freshman Program” that would introduce me to university life, campus services, mentorship programs, academic counseling, college coursework, and to other first-generation students who eventually became my lifelong friends. In 2006, I graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and flew home to begin the next chapter of my academic journey. I eventually went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling and in May of 2022, I became the first in my family to earn a doctorate degree; I earned a doctorate degree from the Educational Leadership program at Fresno State University. In my opinion, being a first-generation college graduate means that through my educational struggles and accomplishments, I am to serve as a source of inspiration to the most vulnerable members of our society in order to empower them to also pursue a post-secondary education and career technical education training. I fully embrace this new chapter in my life as superintendent of Parlier Unified School District. I am here to serve our school board, students, parents, guardians, teachers, employees, and administrators within our wonderful district. Together, we will expand opportunities and accomplish great things! Together, we will take things to the next level!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rafael Iniguez