Dr. Sue's Story
Dr. Sue ElHessen is a distinguished educator, advocate, and public servant dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and disability rights. She earned her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Human Performance Improvement from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
Dr. ElHessen’s career is marked by nearly two decades of leadership in higher education, including a 19-year tenure at the University of Phoenix (2005–2022), where she focused on academic excellence and student success. Her corporate background includes serving as an Instructional Designer and Trainer for Northrop and Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, where she managed professional development and educational
reimbursement programs.
A prominent figure in state-level advocacy, Dr. ElHessen was appointed by Governor Newsom to the California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA), where she served as the Chair for Education and Outreach from 2020 to 2025. In this role, she led statewide efforts to promote accessibility and compliance through proactive community engagement. Her public service also includes nine years as an Elected School Board Member for the Bellflower Unified School District, where she
authored the district’s first landmark Equity Policy for students. Her commitment to accessibility is further evidenced by her past roles as the ADA Coordinator for the City of Santa Monica, an Inclusion Excellence Commissioner at CSULB, and a member of the LA County Accessibility Appeals Board.
Currently, Dr. ElHessen serves in several key leadership capacities:
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Equity Advisory Committee on Aging and Disability (EACAD): Appointed by
the California Department of Aging for the 2026–2027 term to help shape the
state’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA).
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Commissioner for Public Social Services: Contributing to the development of
strategic goals and social service delivery.
As a survivor of childhood polio, Dr. ElHessen brings vital lived experience to her work. She utilizes a scooter for mobility and employs assistive technology, such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking, in her professional endeavors. She continues to strive for excellence in promoting equity and inclusion for everyone.