Tina Fredericks Elected First Asian American Woman to Lead PUSD Board

Tina Fredericks was elected Monday as the first Asian American woman to lead the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education, joining Dr. Yarma Velázquez and Patrice Marshall McKenzie to form an all-women-of-color officer team at the helm of the district.

“The election of Pasadena’s first Asian American woman as president of the board marks a profound milestone for the district,” Velázquez said during the annual reorganization meeting. “Her leadership honors the presence, contributions and resilience of Asian American communities in Pasadena, expanding the horizons of who is seen.”

The new officer lineup pairs Fredericks with Velázquez, a Latina, and McKenzie, who is Black, serving as clerk. Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco serves as board secretary.

“It is important and significant, not just for the community, but for all of the Asian, Asian American students, women that we have in our schools,” Velázquez continued. “Your presidency will be a powerful affirmation of what our students can do and how they can also belong to the highest levels of service.”

Fredericks, who said she had not prepared remarks, struck a forward-looking tone.

“I am very honored for this opportunity and I did not expect these such kind words,” she said. “All I can say is that we have work to do and I believe in this district. I believe in our leadership, I believe in our board, and whatever happens, we’re going to do this together.”

The board unanimously approved the slate of officers in a single vote.

Beverly Rodriguez, a leader of the Pasadena Association for Career Technical Educators, also congratulated Fredericks on her appointment.

Fredericks used her first moments as president to thank outgoing President Jennifer Hall Lee for guiding the district through the Eaton fire.

“We have witnessed your strength, your leadership, and we will not be deterred by this fire,” Fredericks said. “I think you were the best person to lead us through this very difficult and full of despair moment. But we rose to the occasion. We did, and it was because of your leadership.”