Cal Poly Pomona President Soraya M. Coley and the five other female leaders of Cal State University campuses will receive the Trailblazer Award from Leadership California, marking the first time a group has been selected to receive the honor.

Since 2010, the Trailblazer Award has been given annually to women who are pioneers in their fields. The six honorees will be recognized at the Legacy of Leadership awards ceremony on April 27 in Los Angeles.

The award honors influential women who serve as pioneers, exemplify a spirit of exploration, show passion in their field and make groundbreaking achievements that lead the way for others to innovate and succeed.

"The recognition is a richly deserved honor for an accomplished group of academic leaders who have dedicated their professional and personal lives to the service of all people in California" said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. "As mentors, CSU's six women presidents serve as exemplary models for women leaders in higher education and beyond. We, as a system, laud them for their commitment to transforming their campuses, our state and the nation."

"With higher education in the forefront of state policy issues and as a desired goal of many of California's people, the opportunity to honor the women leading higher education in our state could not be more relevant and timely," said Pamela Hemann, executive director of Leadership California.

Aside from Coley, the other presidents who will share the award are Jane Close Conoley at Cal State Long Beach, Mildred García at Cal State Fullerton, Dianne F. Harrison at Cal State Northridge, Karen S. Haynes at Cal State San Marcos and Lisa A. Rossbacher at Humbodlt State.

Coley became president of Cal Poly Pomona on Jan. 1. Previously, she was a provost at Cal State Bakersfield and a dean at Cal State Fullerton.

Leadership California, a network of more 1,500 accomplished women dedicated to advancing leadership roles of women, partners with corporate, academic, government and community organizations to support its mission. The group aims to empower and prepare women to advance their leadership roles in business, social issues and public policy.

Watch a video of the full interview with the Trailblazer awardees, as well as a highlight video of the awards ceremony, on the Leadership California website.