“Unaka Mounts Strong Campaign with Leaders Whose Aim is to Keep Kids First”

RIVERSIDE, CA — (April 6, 2026) Today, RCOE Board President Kim Cousins, the long-standing incumbent for Trustee Area 1 on the county’s board of education, officially announced his endorsement of educational leader and community advocate Oliver Unaka to succeed him in the June 2, 2026 election.

The Riverside County Board of Education elections are held in June, and the highest vote-getter assumes the role at RCOE’s July board meeting. The Riverside County Board of Education elections are non-partisan, which means that any registered voter can select a candidate of their choice in the Trustee Area 1 race.

“It has been an honor to serve the families of Trustee Area 1, and as I prepare to retire, my primary concern is ensuring this seat goes to someone who is knowledgeable, prepared, and is capable of serving all students in a governance capacity on the first day,” said Kim Cousins. “Oliver Unaka is that leader. His journey from being a homeless student to graduating Most Likely to Succeed from high school in Los Angeles Unified, and subsequently becoming a K-12 leader and respected university administrator, is a testament to the power of education. I am honored to support such a qualified candidate to succeed me in Trustee Area 1, and I am confident that Oliver will be a tireless champion for all students in Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Temescal Valley, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake and Riverside.”

For over two decades, Cousins has been a cornerstone of Riverside County leadership. As he prepares to retire from his positions on the County Board of Education and as President and CEO of the Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce, his focus has remained on the future of Riverside County. Trustee Cousin’s endorsement of Unaka signals a powerful "passing of the baton" in the race for Trustee Area 1, reflecting his full confidence in a candidate he believes has a unique professional background and the experience to serve on the County Board of Education.

Despite an arguably contentious political climate leading to the gubernatorial race in this upcoming election, Cousins and Unaka are demonstrating the power that collaboration and focus can have on a community when rational and caring adults are committed to doing what is best for children throughout the entire County of Riverside.

“I realize that my unified, non-partisan, and student-focused approach to this campaign seems too good to be true. The reality is I find myself feeling like so many other parents and community members who are sick and tired of the bickering, fighting, political stalemates, and the useless blame-games and rhetoric when it comes to public education and putting students first,” said Oliver Unaka. “Our teachers are precious and they do not badger students about whether their parents are Democrats or Republicans before teaching lessons and grading assignments, nor are our cafeteria workers doing the same before serving lunch. I am passionate about forging a truly unified coalition of leaders, community members, moms, dads, and guardians who simply want what is best for all children in our community.”      

Backed by a career of tangible impact, Oliver Unaka is running on a platform to "strengthen the bridge" of opportunity for the next generation. Having secured nearly $500 million in school facility funding for both the Inglewood and Pomona Unified school districts, Unaka brings a level of fiscal accountability and administrative expertise that has drawn a diverse, non-partisan coalition of elected leaders and career-focused labor unions to his "students first" call-to-action.

Kim Cousins leaves behind a distinguished legacy of service. As the President and CEO of the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce since 2003, he has been a driving force for economic development and workforce readiness. His tenure on the Board of Education has been defined by his commitment to fiscal accountability and expanding career technical education (CTE) opportunities. His extensive community involvement includes serving on the boards of Southwest Healthcare System, the Trauma Intervention Program, and the Bond Oversight Committee for Lake Elsinore USD.

“I am deeply humbled to receive the endorsement of Trustee Cousins, as he has been a steadfast voice for our county community, balancing a pro-business sensibility with a heart for student success. Following in his footsteps is a responsibility that I do not take lightly,” said Oliver Unaka. “My experience has taught me that we must be a champion for every child – supporting those who are already on a path to success by ensuring our county’s schools remain world-class learning institutions, while simultaneously holding the door open for those facing the same obstacles I once did. I look forward to building on Kim’s stellar work to ensure that RCOE remains a launchpad for every student’s potential.”  

About Oliver Unaka

A proud Eastvale (Riverside County) resident since 2008, Oliver and his wife, LaKeisha, have been together for 27 years. They are raising their two children: Brooke, a freshman (pre-med major) at Howard University, and Carter, who attends a local public high school. Oliver Unaka is a product of South Central Los Angeles public schools and graduated from Westchester High after being voted ‘Most Likely to Succeed.’ He went on to matriculate at the University of California at Santa Barbara, graduated with honors in Philosophy and was inducted into Phi Sigma Tau International Honors Society. Oliver continued his studies at the University of Redland’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program. As well, he earned a Master in Governance designation from the California School Boards Association (CSBA). He is also advancing his knowledge of school board governance with a specialized CSBA Master in Governance focused on county boards of education. Oliver is a staunch advocate for ‘At Promise Youth’ and has been recognized for his decade of service to the National College Resources Foundation, where he mentored students and expanded college access programs, earning the title of “Community Champion” from state and local leaders. His candidacy is grounded in the belief that every student deserves safe schools, high-quality instruction, and a clear pathway to success in college, career/trades, and life. For more information about Oliver Unaka’s candidacy and his vision for Riverside County schools, visit www.voteunaka.com.