At California State University, Dominguez Hills, much of the work that keeps the campus running happens behind the scenes. From supportive faculty in the classroom to staff who guide students through life’s challenges, women across campus play a vital role in shaping the university experience.
Across administrative offices and academic departments, women in leadership and support roles ensure that both students and faculty have the resources they need to succeed and their work highlights the role of women in campus operations as the university celebrates Women’s History Month.
For Rosaida Dumaliang, a confidential analyst in the President’s Office, the work is fast-paced and constantly evolving. Supporting the interim chief of staff, she helps manage budgets, coordinate logistics, and assist with campus initiatives.
“We wear many hats here in this office,” Dumaliang said.
Dumaliang, who has worked at the university for ten years, said the environment is demanding but rewarding.
“There is always something happening here. There’s never a dull moment,” she said.
Her work, she added, ultimately centers on students.
“Everything we do here, it’s all for our students,” Dumaliang said.
In the College of Arts and Humanities, Khadija Anderson, executive assistant to the dean, often serves as the initial point of contact for students seeking help.
“Often, I’m the first person they see,” Anderson said. “I try to assess the situation and figure out the best place for them to go.”
Whether it’s helping students navigate concerns, connecting them to campus resources, or assisting with scholarships and events, Anderson said her role is rooted in support.
“Sometimes people just want someone to talk to,” she said.
Anderson, who has worked at CSUDH for 14 years, said her experience has been shaped by her connection to students, many of whom are first-generation.
“I love really working with the students,” she said.
She added that recognition of women on campus is important because of their presence and responsibilities.
“There’s so many of us here,” she said. “We have such a big presence, and we’re balancing so many things.”
In the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development, Dianne Vogel plays a key role in supporting faculty through one of the most important processes of their careers: reappointment, tenure, and promotion.
“I oversee the RTP process from start to finish,” Vogel said.
Her work includes coordinating with department chairs, deans, and university leadership to ensure the process is clear and aligned with the university policies.
“Our goal is to provide clear information and transparency,” she said.
Vogel, a CSUDH alumna who has worked at the university for 19 years, said one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is watching faculty grow in their careers.
“Being able to witness their growth over the years and see them achieve tenure and promotion is incredibly fulfilling,” she said.
“By supporting faculty in their careers, we ultimately contribute to the strength and success of the university.”
Vogel also emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions.
“It truly takes a village to support a campus community,” she said.
Monica Ponce, AVP of Human Resources Management, supports employees across campus through a range of services, including recruitment, benefits, and workplace accommodations.
“My role is really to offer employment-related support for our employees on campus,” Ponce said.
A CSUDH alumna and first-generation college student, Ponce said her career is rooted in service.
“I take a lot of pride in knowing that I helped others,” she said. “Being around people is really motivating for me.”
Ponce said one of her challenges is balancing multiple priorities.
“There’s a lot of great work happening on campus and sometimes feeling like you don’t have enough time,” she said.
As a woman in leadership, Ponce said Women’s History Month represents empowerment and possibility.
“There’s a lot we can do if that is our choice.” She spoke. “We shouldn’t think that because I have a career, I can’t be a mom – or because I’m a mom, I can’t have a career.”
She emphasized the importance of mentorship and support systems in navigating both personal and professional responsibilities.
“Having a good network is extremely important,” she said
For students interested in leadership roles, Ponce encouraged them to pursue work they are passionate about.
“You always want to find something that you are so passionate about that even if you didn’t get paid, you would still want to do it,” she said.
For Jessi L. Smith, associate vice president of Faculty Affairs and Development, leadership is closely tied to equity and opportunity in higher education.
“When faculty succeed, students succeed,” Smith said.
Smith, who is new to the university, said she has been impressed by the campus community.
“Everyone I meet is so dedicated,” she said. “They care.”
Her role includes helping faculty navigate challenges and developing policies that support fairness and transparency.
“I work behind the scenes to support faculty, solve problems, and build systems,” Smith said.
She said Women’s History Month is a reminder of progress made by women over time.
“It is built on generations of women who pushed open doors and broke glass ceilings,” Smith said.
Susan Addleman, director of development, works to secure private philanthropic support for the university by connecting donors with meaningful opportunities to give.
“The Director of Development role is a major gift fundraiser, working with donors to support students, programs, and capital projects,” Addleman said.
Addleman works with the College of Arts and Humanities and the College of Business Administration and Public Policy, helping fund initiatives across campus.
“Philanthropy is giving from the heart because it fulfills a desire to make an impact,” she said. “I am a matchmaker connecting donors with giving opportunities.”
Addleman said her work directly supports students, faculty, and academic programs, including opportunities for journalism students through partnerships such as the Golden Globe Foundation, which funds fellowships and World Press Freedom Day initiatives.
A CSUDH alumna, Addleman said her career path began in the hotel industry before transitioning into nonprofit work.
“I’m mission-driven and want to make a difference in life,” she said.
She began working at the university in 2023 and described her experience as deeply meaningful.
“It has been like coming home,” Addleman said.
She said her connection to the campus community drives her work.
“I deeply connect with our Toros and believe that giving to CSUDH is the best investment anyone can make,” she said.
Addleman also pointed to the university’s mascot as a reflection of its community.
“We have the heart, strength, and tenacity of a bull,” she said. “It does not matter what life throws at us. We are going to get back up and thrive.”
Across campus, a common theme emerges among these women: mentorship, adaptability, and a commitment to service.
Dumaliang encouraged students to build connections and seek guidance.
“Find your mentors and never stop learning,” she said.
Anderson emphasized the importance of networking and support systems.
“Networking is extremely important,” she said. “There’s never necessarily a straight path to success.”
As Women’s History Month highlights achievements and progress, their stories serve as a reminder that leadership is not always in the spotlight — but it is always present.