Our community colleges are a gateway out of poverty. I am a first-generation college graduate, attending Fresno City College to earn my AA degree. My mom graduated with her AA degree just one semester after I did. She took night classes, one at a time, for almost two decades, showing me that education is essential. Many students in our community college system are like my mom and I – first-generation students or returning to school while working and raising families.

I returned to college as a single mother of two young children and recognized firsthand the additional ways that colleges can support students in their success. I was fortunate to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA only because I had access to reliable child care (not to mention a bunch of student loans). But it shouldn’t be so difficult for students to achieve their educational pursuits while raising a family. 

Working in the agricultural, manufacturing, industrial, and non-profit industries, I have a strong pulse on the employment needs of our community. I am continually assessing the types of jobs available in the community and that the programs and classes offered by the district not only fit, but complement our ever-changing world.

In addition to the hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of pages of information I review each month of items that come before the board, I spend time researching topics to understand the different facets of an issue. I want to know how other districts and communities are handling these topics so we are positioned to provide the best educational experience for students. I look at each issue through a variety of lenses to see how it will impact students, staff, faculty, and the community.