Diana Honig, JD — a dedicated advocate, disability rights attorney and community leader — is running for Contra Costa Community College District Board in Ward 2. With a rich background in law, education and community service, Diana brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to improving the lives of students and residents in Contra Costa County. Her family has strong ties to Diablo Valley College (DVC). Her father-in-law, Verle Henstrand, served over 25 years as DVC’s Dean of Students, until his retirement in 1983.
MEET DIANA HONIG
Early Life and Education:
Born in California, her parents — both first-generation public college graduates and lifelong educators — instilled in her a passion for learning and community service. She attended public schools, participating in student government, organizing school blood drives and volunteering at community events for the Red Cross as a trained First Aid worker.
Diana earned her Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from UCLA and her Juris Doctor from UC Davis. While in law school, Diana supported students interested in pursuing public interest careers by serving as the law student representative to two loan repayment committees and as a Board Member of the King Hall Legal Foundation.
Professional Career:
Diana's career is marked by her unwavering dedication to social justice and advocacy. Having been diagnosed with learning disabilities in law school at a time when the Americans with Disabilities Act had just passed, Diana felt allied with the disability rights movement. She worked for 12 years as an Attorney for Disability Rights California, engaged in policy work, direct representation, education and outreach throughout the state. She coordinated the Assistive Technology and Voting Rights programs and focused on discrimination issues, including in higher education, employment and housing. Her legal expertise and commitment to disability rights have significantly impacted the lives of many.
Community Service:
Diana remains deeply involved in her community. She is an active Moms Demand Action State Legislative Team member, working alongside gun violence survivors and community prevention organizations to advocate for gun safety legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. As a Co-Chair of the Multifaith ACTION Coalition Health Care Task Force, she works in partnership with several county coalitions to ensure quality healthcare for all county residents, regardless of immigration status. Diana also was appointed by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to the Measure X Community Advisory Board, making budget recommendations to address the unmet needs of the most underserved communities in the county.
Throughout her life, Diana has taken on leadership roles in the nonprofit arena. She served on the Disability Rights California Board of Directors (the largest disability rights in the nation with a budget of over 40 million), Twins by the Bay Board of Directors, and various other nonprofit organizations. She also serves on Ensuring Opportunity Leadership Team, a cross-sector initiative of RCF Connects that brings together nonprofits, businesses, labor groups, faith and local government to end poverty in Contra Costa County.
Commitment to Education:
Diana's passion for education runs deep. As the daughter of lifelong educators and the mother of children with ADHD and neurodiversity, she understands the challenges and opportunities within the education system. She is committed to eliminating barriers to enrollment, providing student support and ensuring that community colleges are accessible to all and reflect the diversity of the surrounding communities.
Personal Life:
Diana lives with her husband, two high-school-aged children, and two rescue cats in Orinda, California. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, bird-watching, yoga and meditation.
