LGBTQ+ Program Facilitator Antonio Lavermon honored with 2026 Dr. Emilie Mitchell Rainbow Excellence Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2026
Media Contact: Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications
NORWALK, Calif. – June 1, 2026 – Antonio “Nio” Lavermon, the LGBTQ+ Program Facilitator and Liaison at Cerritos College,
has been honored with the prestigious Dr. Emilie Mitchell Rainbow Excellence Award
for 2026. Presented by the California Community Colleges, the award celebrates outstanding
leaders who are making a remarkable impact in creating inclusive, healing, and empowering
spaces for LGBTQ+ students.
Nio began his professional journey in community advocacy in the health care sector, providing administrative and membership support to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income communities. A few years later, he joined The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, where he focused on supportive services for Transitional Age Youth (TAY). His work included case management, group facilitation, cultural arts, educational workshops, and program events.
Throughout his career, Nio has trained hundreds of students and service providers on LGBTQ cultural competency, addressing topics such as allyship and intersectionality. His ongoing efforts aim to amplify the voices and experiences of marginalized groups, including queer and transgender individuals, women, and people of color.
Nío has served as the LGBTQ+ Program Facilitator and Liaison at Cerritos College since 2021. In this role, he manages the college's expanding LGBTQ+ Program, with a strong focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion and on enhancing student success across campus.
“I’m excited and proud of Nio for receiving this well-deserved honor. His leadership and passion for serving LGBTQ students are truly inspiring. I see his commitment every day. He fights for others’ human dignity, and we are so fortunate to have him as part of our Cerritos College community,” said Lui Amador, Ed.D., dean of Student Equity and Success.
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 5,000 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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