Rafael B. Pruneda is originally from Othello, Washington. Rafa graduated from WSU with degrees in Humanities and Comparative Ethnic Studies. He received his master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, from Grand Canyon University. While at WSU, he was actively engaged in Multicultural Student Services (MSS), Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) student senator/executive, Chicana/o/x Latina/o/x Student Alliance (ChiLaStAL) co-chair and The Aztec Brotherhood of La Hermandad de O eMe Te. In 2012, Rafa was selected by former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire as the student regent on the WSU Board of Regents. Rafa has worked in various roles within the WSU system as a former retention counselor for the Chicanx Latinx Student Center, retention specialist for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), and bridges transfer advisor. Currently, Rafa lives in Pasco, Washington. He is the Director of Development for the WSU TC campus and is an advisor for the WSU First-Generation Study Abroad program.
Rafa serves on the WSU Alumni Association (WSUAA) Board of Directors and is the 2024-2025 WSUAA vice-president. He serves on La Hermandad de O eMe Te National Board, as vice-president and serves on the Board of Directors for Xinachtli, an organization that provides visual and performing arts in underserved rural communities.
