Los Angeles civil rights leader Capri Maddox and attorney Omel A. Nieves will be honored during Cal State Los Angeles commencement ceremonies Wednesday at the Shrine Auditorium.
Attorney and civic leader Nieves, president of the Cal State LA Foundation Board of Trustees, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and deliver remarks during a 1 p.m. ceremony Wednesday.
Maddox, executive director of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Department, will deliver the keynote address and receive Cal State LA’s Presidential Award during a 5 p.m. ceremony.
“One of Los Angeles’ leading voices on civil rights and equity will take center stage at Cal State LA’s 2026 Commencement,” the university said in a statement announcing the event.
Maddox, a two-time Cal State LA graduate, is being recognized for her work advancing civil rights and equity initiatives across Los Angeles during more than two decades in public service, according to the university.
She currently serves as the founding executive director of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Department under Mayor Karen Bass and has overseen initiatives including the “LA For All” anti-hate campaign, which was distributed in 21 languages citywide.
Maddox earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal State LA and also holds a law degree from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
University officials said Nieves is being recognized for more than 35 years of legal and civic leadership and his advocacy for student success.
Earlier commencement ceremonies this week featured tennis legend Billie Jean King and Homeboy Industries founder Father Greg Boyle, both of whom received honorary recognition and addressed graduates Monday at the Shrine Auditorium.