Dr. Julian Nava Bio

Dr. Julian Nava is a recognized prominent Latino leader who dedicated his life to creating academic opportunities to improve the quality of life for students, building a strong school district, a greater city and representing the United States as an Ambassador.

More notably Dr. Nava was the first and only Latino elected to serve district wide on the Los Angeles Board of Education in 1967. During his tenure as board member and Board President, he presided over issues concerning the East Los Angeles Chicano Student Walkouts of 1968. He fought to promote and protect bilingual education in Los Angeles schools and pushed forward the issue of school integration.

While being on the Board of Education, Dr. Julian Nava was a professor at Cal State University, Northridge, where he taught for over 12 years. He is a proud product of LAUSD, having been a student at Breed Elementary, Hollenbeck Middle School and a graduate of Roosevelt High School.

Dr. Julian Nava died on July 29, 2022, at the age of 95. He leaves behind a legacy that inspires young boys and girls, particularly those of Mexican descent, to chase their dreams, no matter how difficult it may seem. Students at schools in his namesake, our school Dr. Julian Nava Learning Academy and Nava College Preparatory Academy, are grateful.