Reynolds President Pando Honored with 2025 Humanitarian Award
Reynolds Community College President Dr. Paula P. Pando was among six distinguished leaders recognized at the 63rd Annual Richmond Humanitarian Awards Dinner, presented by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC). The event, held October 28, celebrated individuals whose personal and professional lives exemplify a deep commitment to fostering respect, inclusion, and understanding across lines of race, ethnicity, and faith.
Dr. Pando was honored with VCIC’s prestigious Humanitarian Award, which recognizes Virginians who have made meaningful contributions to building inclusive communities where every person is valued. She was celebrated alongside fellow 2025 honorees Gary Creditor, Greta Harris, Deborah Jewell-Sherman, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, and Pam Mines.
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, founded in 1935, works statewide with schools, businesses, and community organizations to promote inclusion and equity through education and dialogue. The Humanitarian Awards are among Virginia’s most respected civic honors, recognizing individuals who demonstrate courage and leadership in advancing understanding among people of all backgrounds.
A Lifetime of Leadership Grounded in Equity
Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Pando has been a passionate advocate for equitable access to opportunity—especially for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Since becoming the fourth president in 2018, she has guided the college through a period of transformation marked by innovation, community engagement, and a steadfast focus on student success.
Under her leadership, Reynolds has expanded partnerships that connect education to economic mobility, launched initiatives addressing barriers to student persistence, and advanced the college’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
“Education is one of the most powerful equalizers we have,” Dr. Pando said. “At Reynolds, we believe every student deserves the chance to discover their potential and pursue their purpose. And we do that by creating a community where every person is seen, heard, respected, and supported — a place where they know they belong. That belief is at the heart of who we are.”
Her leadership extends far beyond the college’s campuses. Dr. Pando serves on multiple boards and collaborates with regional organizations focused on workforce development, educational equity, and community advancement. Her vision emphasizes shared responsibility—building bridges across institutions and communities to ensure that success is not determined by circumstance.
Recognizing a Broader Mission of Inclusion
In presenting the award, VCIC recognized Dr. Pando’s “extraordinary dedication to creating environments where all people feel seen, heard, and valued.” That mission aligns closely with VCIC’s theme of “Achieving Success Through Inclusion.”
Dr. Pando embodies what it means to lead with empathy and vision. Her work at Reynolds demonstrates how inclusion and equity are not abstract ideals—they are measurable, impactful strategies that strengthen communities.
A Community of Changemakers
The Humanitarian Awards Dinner also honored leaders from across sectors who have made lasting contributions to civic life in Virginia. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan was recognized for her decades of public service and advocacy for social justice; Greta Harris, President and CEO of Better Housing Coalition, for her leadership in equitable housing development; Dr. Deborah Jewell-Sherman, for her lifelong impact as an educator and champion for children; Gary Creditor, for his interfaith and community-building work; and Pam Mines, for her advocacy in disability awareness and inclusion.
Together, the honorees represent a spectrum of service that reflects VCIC’s mission to address prejudice in all its forms and strengthen community trust.
As Reynolds continues to expand its impact across Central Virginia, Dr. Pando’s leadership remains guided by the same principles celebrated by the VCIC award—respect, understanding, and a commitment to the common good.
About the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive communities through education and leadership development. Originally founded as the Virginia Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, VCIC became an independent organization in 2005. Today, VCIC works with schools, businesses, and community groups across the Commonwealth to advance understanding, reduce prejudice, and help institutions achieve success through inclusion.