Los Angeles Civil Rights Department Executive Director Capri Maddox will deliver the keynote address and receive Cal State Los Angeles’ Presidential Award during the university’s commencement ceremony next week, officials announced Wednesday.
The ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. next Wednesday at the Shrine Auditorium.
“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 also helped oversee $12 million in community-based programming and equity reports addressing issues including violence against Black and Latina women, university officials said.
Before leading the Civil Rights Department, Maddox served in several city and education leadership roles, including senior adviser to former City Attorney Mike Feuer, executive director of partnerships for the Los Angeles Unified School District and president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.
Maddox earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal State LA and also holds a law degree from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
She previously chaired Cal State LA’s “We Are LA” fundraising campaign, which raised more than $100 million for the university, according to officials.
Pick a place, any place. Add Capri Maddox. That place is instantly a better place.