Acacia M. Warren, Ed.D.

Associate Director, Bruin Resource Center
awarren@saonet.ucla.edu

Dr. Acacia M. Warren is a distinguished educator, leader and founder with a career spanning over 20 years in the field of education. Known for her compassion and resourcefulness, she offers a unique perspective on inclusive and transformative education. She is excited to support the strategic vision and leadership for BRC programs and activities. Acacia is professionally skilled in building capacity and shaping positive academic experiences for system-impacted communities.

Prior to assuming her position at the BRC, Acacia served as the managing director of the UCLA Prison Education Program. While in this role, she supported educational initiatives aimed at providing incarcerated women and youth with access to higher education, reflecting her long-standing commitment to justice-impacted communities. As managing director, she organized and led a successful Beyond the Bars LA 2023 conference.

Before UCLA, Acacia served as an academic coordinator and lecturer at UC Irvine, where she taught, supported, and mentored future educators. Her journey into higher education began as an adjunct faculty member at CSU Dominguez Hills. Prior to that, she had an extensive career with the Los Angeles Unified School District, serving in multiple roles, including as a teacher, data coach, Response to Intervention (RTI) expert, assistant principal and district coordinator. She began her educational career with the Oakland Unified School District, teaching in juvenile hall during the summers.

Regarding academics, Acacia earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from UC Riverside, where she graduated cum laude, followed by a master's degree in education and teaching credential from UC Berkeley. She subsequently earned a master's degree in educational administration from CSU Dominguez Hills, and a doctorate in educational leadership from USC that included a 9-day international education studies tour in China.

Acacia attributes much of her success to her parents, twin sister, and husband. Her parents, both first-generation students and retired educators, instilled the value and power of education at an early age. Experiences such as teaching in juvenile hall and living abroad in Kenya, Africa, inspired Acacia's passion for advocacy work and international travel. She has traveled to 14 countries to diversify her cultural lens and understand education in a global context. Acacia's unwavering commitment to edify those around her as she leads, while equitably serving students, staff and leaders across a variety of contexts is admirable. In her spare time, she likes to travel, write poetry, and take walks at the park or beach. You can learn more about Acacia on LinkedIn.