Wave Staff Report
COMPTON — Compton College graduate Liti-Ahenewa Zabad is a mother of four and a nontraditional student who returned to higher education to build a better life for herself and her family. Inspired by her children, Zabad works hard to achieve her dreams.
“I want my children to see through my actions that it is possible to keep going, keep evolving, and keep building despite obstacles,” she said.
She is now ready to continue her higher education to pursue dual careers in service to others.
A dean’s list scholar throughout her studies at Compton College, Zabad earned three associate degrees, one in physical and biological sciences, a second in social and behavioral sciences, and another in psychology. After applying and completing an audition, she was honored to be selected as the student speaker for Compton College’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony last month in Long Beach.
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, she relocated to California seven years ago and built an entirely new life with intention. She is passionate about mentorship, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and showing up for people from underserved communities. She decided to return to college “not because the timing was perfect, but with the understanding that certain opportunities do not wait and do not repeat themselves,” she said.
Zabad plans to continue her studies at Compton College this fall to earn an associate degree in nursing and then transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Midway through her educational journey at Compton College, she became an auto collision survivor with a fractured spine. Navigating vulnerability, recovery and advocacy has given her the drive to become a nurse with a larger goal of pursuing a law degree, specializing in medical malpractice.
“I naturally gravitate toward helping others,” Zabad said. “Through my own experience, I have realized how important advocacy is when people are injured, overwhelmed, and simply trying to survive something difficult. This experience shifted my trajectory into something even greater than I originally imagined.”
Zabad recalls that the first time she stepped on campus, the energy immediately felt bright and welcoming. She said she could feel a sense of community the second she walked through the Student Services office doors.
“It wasn’t stiff or transactional,” she said. “It felt human. It felt genuine.”
She confirmed that strong support continued throughout her time at Compton College.
Zabad took advantage of several of the student resources offered at the college. She found Extended Opportunity Programs and Services tremendously helpful with resources such as workshops, educational support, book vouchers, planners, and graduation support. The program provides extra support for eligible students.
Zabad says her counselor went above and beyond to ensure she was taking the right classes to stay on track academically and achieve her educational goals.
“The opportunities offered by EOPS helped remove any obstacles so I could stay focused and succeed,” she said.
Zabad also took advantage of the many free resources Compton College offers all students, including a daily free meal at the on-campus cafe, vouchers to spend at the weekly farmers’ market, workshops and job fairs, tutoring, and laptop and calculator loans to aid in her studies.
Zabad’s commencement speech message focused on motivating others to be bold and unapologetic in pursuit of their dreams and the life they build for themselves.
Addressing her fellow graduates, she said, “Today, we proved to ourselves what is possible through consistency, focus and commitment.”
Through her lived experiences, she wants to encourage others who might feel overlooked, underestimated, or afraid to dream bigger because of the obstacles they have faced.
“I would like to challenge others to make that one courageous decision that is the catalyst for becoming the person you were always meant to be,” she added.
