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2025-26 Cohort Directory
At Fresno City College in the State Center Community College District, Dr. Emily Berg serves as the primary administrator overseeing the Division of Early College, one of the largest CCAP dual enrollment programs in the state whose mission is to provide access and support for students historically underrepresented in higher education. She began three years ago in this role as director of dual enrollment and is currently serving as interim dean of dual enrollment. Accomplishments in these roles have included overseeing the special admit students, 7,321 in AY 2024-2025, 61% growth in number of sections offered and 118% growth in headcount since hired, in addition to streamlining processes to support current and projected growth while maintaining quality partnerships with over 20 districts and almost 50 high schools. Her background includes twenty-five years in education with administration, instruction, and program management at K-12 and community college institutions in the Central Valley.
Prior to her administrative roles, she served as Reedley College’s grant coordinator for Engineering Pathway of the K-16 Collaborative, a signature Initiative of the Governor’s Council for Post-Secondary Education Council and Fresno DRIVE to form intersegmental pathways between regional K-12 and university partners. Additionally, Dr. Berg was the lead for the college’s first integrated master plan, serving on the Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Committee in her role as Vice President for Senate Business for the Academic Senate in addition to serving on statewide Academic Senate committees including implementation of the Faculty Empowerment Leadership Academy while on the Faculty Leadership Development Committee.
Her Ed.D. dissertation research through Brandman University focused on first generation community college students in California’s Central Valley, and other educational attainments include a Master of Arts in English Literature from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in English from University of California, Davis. Dr. Berg enjoys serving as a dissertation committee member for UMass Global doctoral students, in addition to regularly serving on Accreditation peer review teams and IEPI partnership resource teams. Her greatest joy in life is trying to keep up with her two hungry and curious teenage boys, their rescue labrador, and her husband of twenty-three years.
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins is a dynamic higher education leader currently serving as the interim Associate Dean of the Center for Media and Design at Santa Monica College. In this role, she leads strategic enrollment initiatives, builds external partnerships, drives faculty engagement, and oversees day-to-day campus operations across more than 20 programs, including SMC’s bachelor’s degree in Interaction Design. Prior to stepping into administration, Ashanti was a tenured journalism professor at Santa Monica College, where she also served as an Equity Coach and advisor to the college’s award-winning student newspaper, fostering student success through innovation and inclusive practices.
A seasoned communicator and change agent, Ashanti has developed academic programs that have expanded career pathways for students, launched an impactful podcast initiative, and helped craft institutional marketing strategies that grew campus enrollments year-over-year. Beyond the college, she made history as the first Black woman elected President of the National Society of Professional Journalists, where she successfully led the organization out of a major financial deficit into surplus within just 90 days.
Ashanti earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Columbia University and a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Miami. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation at Arizona State University, with the ultimate goal of serving as a community college president dedicated to equity, innovation, and student empowerment.
Outside of her professional work, Ashanti finds joy in cooking, traveling, mentoring emerging professionals, and spending quality time with her family. She is also passionate about emceeing events and hosting podcasts—creative pursuits that allow her to bring communities together through dialogue and storytelling.
I currently serve as the Associate Dean of Student Services and Special Programs at Cuyamaca College, where I have had the opportunity to make a significant impact on student success. One of my proudest accomplishments was securing $1.5 million in funding to support students who have experienced foster care in my previous role. This initiative has been instrumental in providing much-needed resources and opportunities for students facing unique challenges.
In addition to my work in student services, I earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC San Diego while managing the responsibilities of parenthood. This experience not only sharpened my leadership skills but also taught me how to effectively balance my personal and professional commitments, strengthening my resilience and dedication to both my family and my career.
Outside of my professional life, I am passionate about outdoor activities. I love to run and surf, and I find joy in participating in various outdoor adventures. These activities help me stay energized, focused, and connected to nature. Additionally, I have a deep love for traveling, particularly to experience diverse cultures and cuisines. This upcoming summer, I’m excited to visit Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand to immerse myself in their rich cultures and culinary traditions. Traveling has become a way for me to unwind and explore the world in a way that broadens my perspectives and enriches my personal experiences.
Keely Carroll joined LTCC in July 2024 from Sierra College, where she served as the Interim Associate Dean of Science and Mathematics. In this role, she scheduled and staffed over 470 course sections across 11 departments in all modalities. She collaborated with faculty, staff and administration to implement changes post AB1705, to evaluate tutoring facilities across campus, and oversaw the largest Division budget on campus. She later accepted a position at Lake Tahoe Community College as Dean of Instruction. At LTCC she has continued this work while learning more about the community that is LTCC and learning how to best serve students.
Prior to serving in administration, she taught non-majors biology both in person and online for 16 years. She also provided trainings in online teaching and performed course review for online classes. She has served as Department Chair, overseeing both curriculum review and program review.
She has also served as the lead negotiator for the Sierra College Faculty Association, currently serves on the LTCC District negotiating team, has worked as an Equity Partner, has served as an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer on over 16 hiring committees and was the Director of the Sierra College Natural History Museum.
Keely has her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a Master’s of Science in Conservation Biology. In her free time, she likes to run, knit and spend time with her dogs.
Leslie brings over 17 years of experience in education, where she has focused on Career Education, workforce development, and community relations. Currently, Leslie serves as the Interim Associate Dean of Instruction, Career Education at Monterey Peninsula College, where she supports a diverse array of programs, including the Fire Academy, Emergency Medical Services, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Nutrition, and Horticulture programs. In addition, she is the MPC campus Administrator for the South Bay Consortium’s Paramedic and Police Academy programs at Monterey Peninsula College’s Public Safety Training Center.
During her career in higher education, Leslie’s leadership and expertise have played a significant role in developing and revising over 50 Career Education program certificates and degrees, directly impacting the success of students across multiple disciplines. She has a proven track record of building strong partnerships with K-12 schools, community organizations, and local government leaders, enhancing educational access and opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
At Cabrillo College, Leslie worked to revamp the Career Education office infrastructure, establishing new internal procedures and designing comprehensive support systems for faculty. These initiatives enabled faculty to focus more effectively on student success. Her commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was demonstrated through her efforts to ensure that educational opportunities and resources were accessible to all students, regardless of background.
Leslie is deeply passionate about providing all students—both traditional and nontraditional—with the necessary support and resources to achieve their educational goals. She is committed to preparing students for success in college and beyond, particularly in high-demand fields like public safety, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Leslie is a graduate of Cabrillo Community College and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies from Cal Poly Humboldt University and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. In her free time, Leslie enjoys international travel, cooking, exploring the scenic beauty of Monterey Bay, attending local events, and playing golf.
I currently serve as the Interim Dean of the Counseling Division at Foothill College, where I provide leadership and support for counseling services and student success initiatives. Prior to stepping into this role in early 2025, I worked as counseling faculty at Foothill from 2008 through the end of 2024. During that time, I was deeply involved in both direct student support and campus-wide leadership efforts that shaped academic and institutional priorities.
In addition to my work as a counselor, I held several key leadership roles on campus, including College Curriculum Committee Co-Chair, Academic Senate President, Guided Pathways Facilitator, and Counseling Department Chair. These experiences allowed me to collaborate across divisions, engage in policy-level discussions, and support system-wide initiatives focused on improving student outcomes. I’ve consistently approached leadership with a focus on collaboration, equity, and service to students.
My educational journey began at UC Davis, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Communications. I went on to earn a Master’s in Education (Counseling and Student Personnel) from San José State University, and later completed an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, also from San José State. Each stage of my education has helped shape my perspective on how systems can better serve diverse student populations and how leaders can support those efforts.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, family, and friends. I’m passionate about music, and I also find joy and balance in focusing on fitness and nutrition. Whether it’s through connecting with loved ones or engaging in creative and physical pursuits, I strive to stay grounded and intentional in all areas of my life.
Larissa Favela is a Bay Area native and an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Ohlone College in Fremont, CA. She is currently serving as the Interim Dean of Arts & Social Sciences. She has over 20 years’ experience in higher education, teaching courses in Communication Studies, such as public speaking, argumentation and debate, and intercultural communication at San Jose State University and local community colleges. After 8 years living the adjunct life, Larissa joined Ohlone as a full-time faculty member in 2014. Larissa has served as supervisor and coordinator for the Ohlone Forensics Team and coordinator for the Communication Studies Department Speech Colloquium series, and Communication Lab instructor and supervisor. She also served as the Guided Pathways coordinator, facilitating Ohlone College’s alignment with Guided Pathways with a focus on centering equity, diversity, and inclusion principles. Larissa is a recognized campus leader, serving on many shared governance committees, including Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, and co-chairing College Council from Fall 2022-Spring 2025.
Larissa is committed to investing in and developing student leaders. In Spring 2018, she supported and cocoordinated the student led, first ever Ohlone College TEDx event at Ohlone College Newark campus. In September of 2019, she and her team of students successfully coordinated the 2nd Ohlone College TEDx event – TEDxOhloneCollege. In partnership with her faculty colleague, Larissa has assisted, supported and coordinated the popular and powerful student run participatory activism event, the Gender Sex Fair since 2015.
Larissa is a graduate of San Jose State University where she first learned of her passion for the classroom in SJSU’s reputable Graduate TA program. She explains, “The first day of class as a TA, I walked into my class as a graduate student trying to do what needed to be done to pay for grad school; but I left that classroom inspired with the goal to become a professor. Seeing my students gain confidence in their own communication skills and powerfully using their voice to share their stories or advocate for change, I changed my career goals. Rather than pursue a career in the corporate world, I turned my pursuits to academia” (Faces of Ohlone, May 2021). Her research interests are many but one of her favorite areas of Communication research is intercultural communication. As a proud Japeximerican (2nd generation Japanese American, 3rd generation Mexican American), she wrote her graduate thesis on Japanese American identity and intergenerational dialogue in the San Jose Japantown community.
When she is not in the classroom, you will probably find her on the road as she chauffer’s her 3 active wildlings all over the Bay Area. You may also find Larissa hiking local trails or chilling at the beach with a good book, taste testing local eateries or visiting wineries, or trying to find a tranquil place to enjoy her 4th cup of coffee.
Jenny Fererro (she/her) is the first Dean of Instruction at Palomar College. After serving as a professor and faculty leader for twenty years, Jenny moved into an administrative role, where she supports district-wide initiatives such as baccalaureate degree programs, distance education, early college credit including dual enrollment and early/middle colleges, pathways and mapping, instructional partnerships, program development, and the instruction office. Throughout her time at Palomar, Jenny has been actively involved in participatory governance and social justice issues. In addition to being a former department chair and current/past chair and representative on many district councils and committees, Jenny served as a Faculty Senator for 15 years, including multiple terms as Senate Secretary and Senate Vice President. She was also the lead negotiator for the Palomar Faculty Federation for seven years. Jenny was the 2021-22 Palomar College Woman of the Year, honored for her work and leadership on DEIAA initiatives. She is particularly committed to Palomar’s LGBTQ+ projects and programs.
Outside of Palomar College, she is finishing her final term as the elected Catalyst Liaison for the California Community College Early Childhood Educators (CCCECE), a statewide advocacy and leadership group. She also serves on several steering committees and boards, including San Diego American Association for Women in Community Colleges (SDAAWCC). Jenny is a published author of several articles and a book for ECE professionals. She earned her B.A. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at University of Colorado at Boulder, her M.S. in Child and Family Development at San Diego State University, and her Ed.D. in Community College Leadership at San Diego State University.
Jenny is a mother, a spouse, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, and a friend. She enjoys pickleball, outrigger canoeing and kayaking, needlework, nail art, reading, and is learning to play the banjo.
Current Position: Associate Dean of Counseling Prior Positions: General Counselor, Counseling Department Chair, Articulation Officer, Transfer Center Coordinator, Genera Studies Instructor.
Major Accomplishments: Expanded Articulation with out of state universities, developed comprehensive Service Area Outcomes for counseling, coached my girls high school basketball team to 2-division championships and secured 4 federal grants:
1. TRIO – Students with Disabilities
2. HSI – Student Services
3. HSI – Research, Nursing and STEM
4. CCAMPIS – childcare
Educational Sketch: I hold a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from Brandman University and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Park University. My academic focus has centered on equity in education, student support services, and institutional effectiveness, which have guided my professional path in higher education leadership.
My hobbies include sporting events and concerts. I have coached girls basketball at the high school level for 15 years and continue to support women’s basketball at all levels. I enjoy going to country concerts.
I enjoy 90’s country and attend concerts every opportunity I get.
My creative pursuits include athletics and engaging as many kids in sports as I can. I raised my children to be active in athletics, and it has become my pursuit to increase access to sports in rural communities and share my love of athletics with all those I come in contact with.
Jennifer Hoeger currently serves as an associate dean at Santa Ana College, where she oversees marketing, communications, outreach, web content, and social media. In her role, Jennifer is focused on building inclusive, student-centered strategies that increase awareness, simplify access, and support student success across all touch points. Her primary goal is to help institutionalize systems and processes that are designed with the student experience in mind—from first contact through completion.
With a professional background that includes over a decade in education and experience in the private sector, Jennifer brings a creative, solutions-oriented approach to her work. Her earlier roles as an English instructor in international and community college settings taught her the value of cultural responsiveness, clarity in communication, and personalized support. At Santa Ana College, she’s applying that lens to strategic outreach efforts, working to ensure students not only know about the college but feel welcomed and supported throughout their journey.
Jennifer is especially passionate about improving access through educational marketing, expanding the use of data-informed decision-making, and helping reimagine student services to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners. She’s currently leading efforts to strengthen cross-campus collaboration and build more streamlined, impactful pathways for student engagement and enrollment.
She holds two master’s degrees in education—one in ESL Curriculum and Design from Concordia University, and another in Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College—along with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Albright College. She also holds TESOL certification and is currently expanding her digital learning skills through platforms like Articulate. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys running, exploring museums, and traveling with her husband and children. She’s also a committed audiobook listener—reading or listening to about four books a month. Her recent favorites include Revenge of the Tipping Point, Let Them Theory, and The 16 Undeniable Rules of Communication.
At this time, I’m currently the Dean of Social Sciences and Arts at College of the Desert. I have been in my current position for approximately 2 years. Prior to transitioning into my administrative position, I was a tenured faculty member in the Department of Communications Studies at College of the Desert. I find myself to be incredibly lucky to be part of a California Community College and the work that I do no doubt transforms the lives of students and their families and helps them to reach higher heights. I look forward to continually learning and growing to be the best I can to help other individuals succeed.
Throughout my time at College of the Desert, I have been able to accomplish importance endeavors within my department and across campus. First, I have led numerous intramural speech tournaments where students had the opportunity to hone their public speaking skills outside of the classroom context. Furthermore, I have helped create a speech showcase event where students who were not selected to speak at commencement were able to deliver their presentations to important Foundation donors and their families and received a small stipend. I am happy to have helped share their inspirational stories throughout the campus community as well as helped students present their speeches during commencement. I was also co-chair for standard 1 during our ISER development and assisted with our accreditation campus visit efforts last semester. Our campus received full accreditation for the next seven years.
I have also helped with strategic outreaching efforts throughout my time here at College of the Desert. I have presented at numerous college fairs both at the high school and middle school levels as well as on campus events. I have organized different outreaching events on campus such as a special event for International Women’s Day and a Dean’s Tea outreaching extravaganza. I’ve also connected with outward facing agencies such as One Future Coachella Valley to help the most marginalized students believe that they too are able to attend college. Furthermore, I have been a faculty mentor where I have been able to pay it forward and inspire other junior faculty members to reach higher heights in their educational journeys.
Outside of work, my hobbies and interest include watching movies, reading books, and going on nature hikes. I love to connect with nature as I feel that nature is one of the best teachers for inspiration and growth. I truly like to take care of myself physically by going to the gym, doing yoga, and meditation which also helps with my emotional and mental state. Lastly, I enjoy spending time with friends and family as this is very important to me as I go through life’s challenges and rely on the support of others around me. I know that I am at the beginning of my administrative career and I believe being part of this amazing Great Dean’s program will help me to fulfill my aspirational dreams in life.
I immigrated to the United States at eleven years old and attended public school in Oceanside Unified School District in north San Diego County. After graduating, I attended UCLA for my undergraduate studies. For my graduate studies I attended Columbia University Teachers College for my master’s degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education Administration. My second master’s degree is in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA. And my PhD is in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA. I chose to pursue a PhD rather than an EdD because I’m deeply passionate about systems-level work, research, and theory, particularly the opportunity to bridge theory and practice, which remains a significant gap in the field of higher education. I wanted to immerse myself in rigorous inquiry while building the foundation to teach, write, and publish. Throughout my PhD program, I was working full-time as a California Community College administrator. This required me to petition for permission to work during the PhD program, which was atypical as all of my cohort peers were primarily focused on research assistantships or TA roles. For me, continuing to work was both a financial necessity and an intentional choice to remain grounded in practice and increase my impact in real-time.
I am blessed to lead with power and love alongside colleagues committed to social justice. I cultivate brave spaces to unpack courageous conversations centered on inclusion. This is evident in my scholarly research focusing on Black Male Student Success in Community Colleges, and academic presentations highlighting Self-Preservation Strategies for Culturally Relevant Leadership. I demonstrate my passion by partnering with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Silicon Valley Chapter to advocate for equitable outcomes in education, economic empowerment, health, and public policy for Black women and girls. It is an exquisite joy to be in service at Mission College and the surrounding community! My most significant achievement in my first 90 days was securing subject matter experts to advise an interdisciplinary team of faculty in developing five new Ethnic Studies courses in three weeks, while simultaneously proposing and prioritizing a full-time tenure-track faculty hire within six months and nurturing a sustainable relationship with SJSU faculty to provide a smooth transfer pathway before the end of my first year.
I currently serve as the Dean of Educational Technology, Library, and Learning Resources at Diablo Valley College. I have over 20 years of experience in higher education and a deep commitment to equity, digital access, and innovation. With a PhD in English Literature and a background as a tenured English professor, I’ve led major campuswide initiatives in professional development, distance education, digital learning, and library services. My leadership includes creating equity-focused onboarding for students, directing large-scale grants supporting racial equity in online learning, and designing training pathways for online teaching and professional learning. I am new (but in love with) Library Leadership, and fusing the intersections between online learning, professional development, and the library as a place of care and belonging. I learn a lot from my team and enjoy my colleagues immensely.
The backbone of my leadership work stems from my first teaching job working in an alternative-to-incarceration non-profit Youth Justice Network (formerly Friends of Island Academy in NYC). In that position, I taught students literacy through GED skills in collaboration with our employment and community development teams. This experience solidified my commitment to equitable, accessible, and high-quality education for all students. In this organization, we literally had to build a school from a copy machine, newspaper subscriptions, a set of Dell computers, and books we acquired from local school overstock. Through this experience, it was clear that collaboration (or team-building), high-touch caring for student needs, providing basic needs services, and offering a consistent quality of student-centered learning could transform people’s lives including my own. I carry the memory of that experience and those students with me each day.
In my free time when I am not working, I love to be in the mountains (preferably the snow) with my family (2 kids and partner) and being far off the grid. I am writing an epic poem–one about a one-way trip to Mars and another about the unexpected disappearance and death of a close friend. I participate in a writing group, a poetry group, and a death/dying group that explores grief.
My previous professional experience is in business operations and admissions in the education sector. In the past 15 years, I worked for Chamberlain University as the Director of Operations for the Sacramento campus and Carrington College as the Regional Director of Operations & Enrollment.
During my professional experiences, I have been recognized for a variety of major awards such as Director/Manager of the Year numerous times which are outlined on my resume. What matters most and what I consider to be major accomplishments is to see employees I mentor gain increased confidence in their roles, promote, and improve their lives. In addition, student success is equally important. When students walk across the stage and graduate, each one truly is a success story, and I thrive on helping others succeed.
In addition to my professional experience, I have a variety of passion pursuits in photography, scuba diving, traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with my amazing partner who is my motivation and inspiration.
With over 13 years of professional experience in higher education and currently serving as the Dean of Counseling and Career Transition Services at San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) for the last 3 years, I am committed to advancing equitable student outcomes through effective leadership, innovative program development, and systemic transformation. I view this Great Deans program as a valuable opportunity to deepen my administrative skillset, expand my statewide professional network, and grow as an equity-minded leader in California’s community college system.
At SDCCE, I lead programs that serve some of the region’s most vulnerable adult learners, including students learning English as a second language, those living in poverty, and individuals who are refugees or asylum seekers. My role focuses on helping these students transition successfully to credit colleges or into the workforce. This work has profoundly shaped my understanding of equity, not as a theoretical concept, but as a daily commitment to meeting students, faculty, and staff where they are and supporting them holistically.
As a leader, I aspire to help transform educational systems in ways that meaningfully and positively impact student lives. I have held multiple leadership positions focused on developing programs that promote access, success, and retention for low-income and underrepresented students. One significant challenge we face is the limited availability of affordable, culturally responsive mental health and holistic support services, an issue that directly impacts students’ ability to succeed, particularly those juggling their education with caregiving responsibilities and other life demands.
As I continue to grow in my leadership, I am committed to addressing these ongoing challenges through trauma-informed policies and practices that foster academic success and equity. I hope to model and scale these values in future roles, driving sustainable change across our institutions.
I am currently the Dean of Science and Mathematics at Chabot College in Hayward, CA. I began this position in January 2025 after earning a full professorship at Cal State LA within the Civil Engineering department.
I am a proud first-generation Mexican-American cis female in STEM. In my academic career, I PI’d and Co-PI’d over $10 million in state and federal grants to support undergraduate and graduate researchers. I supervised nineteen undergraduates and nine graduate students in fully-funded research projects that led to 30 conference abstracts and publications; 81% were Latinx, and five were female. All graduated researchers were either successfully accepted into MS and Ph.D. programs or were offered full-time engineering appointments at government agencies and private-industry companies. I participated in the NSF Eco-STEM program, CSU AGEP Alliance for Diversity and Strengths of STEM Faculty as faculty mentor, created the ECST Mentoring Community, served on the CSU-wide NSF INCLUDES Aspire Alliance’s Institutional Change (IChange) Network, and received the iAspire Cohort 4 Fellowship. I served as the Director of the engineering program within the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST), Director of the First Year Experience (FYrE) program, and Director of the LAunchPad program. Leadership, resource management, and strategic planning are three of my top strengths that I use to invest in my personal passion, which is encouraging students to pursue their personal, career, and academic goals.
I earned my BS (2008), MS (2009), and PhD (2012) from UCLA. I have a BS in Civil & Environmental Engineering, then specialized in Hydrology and Water Resources engineering for my advanced degrees. I earned minors in Statistics, Environmental Engineering, and Geography/Environmental Studies.
Work interest: I am currently interested in developing an intentional and strategic plan to onramp our students into transfer-ready math via applied math programming.
Creative interest: Embroidery, painting, and crafting in general.
I have served prospective, current, and former students within higher education for approximately 25 years. I began my career in higher education at California State University, Bakersfield as an Admissions and Records Evaluator, and later, a Transfer Specialist. Although I enjoyed assisting students from admission to graduation, my heart belonged to the community college. Community colleges represented the true meaning of educational accessibility for everyone. As an alumna of the local community college, Bakersfield College, I set my sights on returning to the place that saved my life. Innovative programs, inspiring faculty, strong leaders, and the spirit of Camelot.
In 2011 I joined the Bakersfield College Counseling Department as an Adjunct Instructor. Within a few years, after serving 13 years in the CSU system, I accepted a position as Transfer Center Director and Transfer Counselor at Bakersfield College. During my tenure I also served as the campus Articulation Officer. Through collaborative efforts and shared governance between faculty and administration, I was selected to join in the development and implementation of BC Transfer Pathways with the CSU’s, UC’s and other universities, Finish In 4, and strategized alongside incredible colleagues to increase university transfer rates. I am honored to have had the experience of serving diverse populations of students in higher education as a Student Worker, Admissions Evaluator, Title V Advisor, and Transfer Specialist at CSU Bakersfield, prior to serving at Bakersfield College.
My commitment to education and true passion lies in the ability to provide a collaborative and supportive environment in order to equip and empower faculty, staff, and students of all ages to meet and exceed their personal, academic and career goals as they strive towards greatness!
Tammi Marshall has been at Cuyamaca College since 1995, currently as the Dean of Math, Science & Engineering. Prior to that Tammi was a part-time and full-time mathematics instructor for 28 years at Cuyamaca College, eleven of those as Department Chair.
In 2010, Tammi and her math colleagues began working with the California Acceleration Project (CAP) to redesign Cuyamaca’s developmental math sequence for more equitable placement and completion of transfer-level math, culminating in the launch of Cuyamaca’s Math Pathway program in 2016. Since this work began, Tammi has been a math coach and workshop facilitator for CAP; a lead, tech facilitator, and writer for in person and virtual workshops as well as the FOCI series for the Dana Center’s Math Pathways; a facilitator for Complete College America; facilitated, led and participated as a panelist in numerous webinars and workshops for the RP Group, CAP, CCCCO, Ed-Trust West, Just Equations; and served as a consultant to many organizations, colleges and university audiences across the nation most recently the Meauxmentum Louisiana Higher Education Summit. Tammi has participated as a community college representative for the California Math Education Collaborative since 2023.
Tammi holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in Engineering, a master’s degree in Math Education and a doctorate in Educational Leadership – all from San Diego State University. Tammi continues to thrive on learning, believing there is never an end to growing.
In her free time, Tammi enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling (she recently took a two-week trip to London, Edinburgh, and Dublin), hiking, swimming, attending theater events, attending sporting events (especially rugby) and catching up on the latest TV shows.
Leanne is a San Diego native, and she attended the University of California San Diego (UCSD) as an undergraduate, where she received a B.A. degree with honors in English and American Literature, with minors in French Literature and Political Science. After spending a year teaching English at a high school in France, she attended Indiana University (IU) for her graduate studies, where she received her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English, with a Ph.D. minor in French. Her publications include articles on authors Mary Shelley, Charlotte Smith, and Frances Burney, and her book Women Writing the Nation: National Identity, Female Community, and the British–French Connection, 1770–1820 is part of Bucknell University Press’ Studies in Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture series.
Working with and supporting students has always been a passion for her, and she spent twenty-nine years in the classroom, which encompassed time spent working as an adjunct faculty member at San Diego State University (SDSU) and Southwestern College. In her twenty-one years as a full-time English faculty member at Palomar College, she taught a wide range of courses, including all levels of composition, British Literature, World Literature, Shakespeare, and Women and Literature. She was also a faculty advisor for the English Majors Group and That’s On Period.
At Palomar, she has also served on numerous committees and in various leadership positions. Amongst those roles are serving as Professional Development Coordinator; North County Higher Education Alliance (NCHEA) Director; Writing Center Director; Department Chair for the Department of English, Humanities, and Reading; and, most recently, Dean for Languages and Literature. During her career, she has also received several teaching awards from IU and SDSU, and at Palomar she has received the Faculty Senate’s Gift of Time Award and the Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.
In her free time, you can find Leanne making beaded jewelry; experimenting with vegan cooking and baking; working out, swimming, and staying active; reading; attending plays and concerts; traveling; and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband Mike, who also works in education as a high school teacher, celebrated their thirtieth anniversary last summer with a trip to Canada.
Dr. Mikenna Leigh Modesto currently serves as the Interim Dean of Library, Learning Resources, and Distance Education at American River College. In this role, she provides leadership for the Library, Learning Resource Center, and Distance Education departments, overseeing programs that support student access, equity, and academic success. Prior to this position, she served as the Counseling Supervisor of the Retention and Persistence Division at Sacramento City College, where she oversaw student support initiatives such as the Black Student Success Initiative, Fresh Start, and the English Language Learner and Immigrant Support Center Counseling Program. She has also served as contingent faculty across the California Community College, California State University, and University of California systems. Her administrative and scholarly work is grounded in a commitment to equitable outcomes, cross-functional collaboration, and inclusive leadership.
Dr. Modesto brings a strong background in faculty support, instructional design, and tutoring services, having previously served as the Coordinator of Learning Resource Center Tutoring Programs at ARC. She has led high-impact initiatives supported by SEAP and Perkins funding, and has presented nationally and internationally on equity-minded assessment and multilingual student success. Her research on labor-based grading contracts and student perceptions of writing assessment has been published in journals such as Assessing Writing and the Journal of Second Language Writing.
Dr. Modesto holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Davis, with an emphasis in Language, Literacy, and Culture. She also earned an M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Professional Writing from CSU Sacramento, and a B.A. in English Education with a TESOL minor from CSU Long Beach. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep investment in culturally responsive education and transformative leadership in community college settings.
Outside of work, Dr. Modesto enjoys reading, hiking in Northern California with her husband and dogs, and fiber arts. She is passionate about building spaces—both personal and professional—where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
My current role has given me the opportunity to lead and support programs like EOPS, Next-Up, HPN, and TRIO. While this work is incredibly rewarding, it also presents complex challenges—particularly when it comes to navigating compliance, collaboration across departments, and preparing for uncertainties in federal funding. With programs like TRIO potentially facing defunding at the national level, I want to be proactive in identifying sustainable practices and building contingency plans to ensure ongoing student support.
I’m also seeking to deepen my ability to manage difficult personnel situations, build stronger team dynamics, and apply best practices in organizational leadership. I know that effective leadership is about more than just managing operations—it’s about fostering a culture that is student-centered, equity-driven, and resilient. I want to learn from experienced leaders and peers across the state to improve my approach and outcomes.
In the next two years, my goals include expanding the reach of our categorical programs to serve more students—particularly through DSPS, EOPS, and Next-Up—which will not only support student success but also strengthen our college’s performance under the Student Centered Funding Formula (SCFF). I also aim to create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and informative so that students feel supported and empowered to reach their goals.
Looking ahead five years, I aspire to move into a Vice President or Vice Chancellor role, where I can shape campus-wide strategies and lead initiatives that promote equity and access on a larger scale. I see the Great Deans program as a vital step in that journey. I previously attended Admin 101, which gave me a helpful foundation, and I believe Great Deans will build upon that foundation by offering practical, targeted tools and insights for current and aspiring deans.
Fabiola Mora grew up in the San Fernando Valley and comes to us from Los Angeles Mission College where she serves as Dean of Academic Affairs for Culinary Arts, Los Angeles Mission College Servery and Café, the Library, the Learning Resource Center and Professional Development. Ms. Mora has a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and 10 plus years of leadership experience managing and implementing specially funded programs including Strong Workforce, the Carl D. Perkins funds, Department of Labor grants, and the Chancellor’s Office Career Pathway Trust programs.
Ms. Mora’s project management and partnership development strategies engaging college administration, staff, faculty, have helped Mission College build a strong partnership with K-12 as well as expand Culinary Arts program. She brings extensive experience implementing and developing K-16 career pathway program models including College and Career Access Partnership agreements. She formerly served as the Director of Cooperative Education at Los Angeles City College, where she partnered with a variety of businesses and industries to employ high impact practices and expand the number of internships and job placement opportunities for Career and Technical Education program participants. One of Ms. Mora’s most recent accomplishments was the expansion of noncredit to credit programs across multiple credit disciplines at Mission College.
Ms. Mora’s administrative philosophy is one of mutual respect between students, faculty and staff. She encourages collaboration between educators and the community. She enjoys developing warm yet successful teams that meet and exceed programming standards. In her recreational time, Ms. Mora enjoys weightlifting, hiking, bike riding, spending time with family, and traveling to new places.
Since October 2023, I have been serving as the Dean of Library & Learning Resources at Sierra College, where I manage a team of 34 faculty and staff across three campuses. Prior to joining Sierra, I was the Senior Director of Research, Teaching, & User Services at The Claremont Colleges Library in Southern California. In this role I oversaw a team of 22 librarians and library staff who provided a wide range of services to students, faculty, and staff at five liberal arts colleges and two graduate institutions. Prior to this I worked as a librarian for 16 years at five different public and private academic libraries College of DuPage, University of New Orleans, Winston Salem State University, LaGuardia Community College, and the University of Southern California.
I have a master’s in library and information science from Simmons College and a master’s in English literature from Hunter College. My undergraduate degree is from Hampshire College, a non-traditional liberal arts college with no grades and students design our own major.
Some of my major accomplishments in my current role at Sierra College include implementing a collaborative approach to loaning laptops across multiple student services departments (Basic Needs, Veterans Success Center, EOPS, Dual Enrollment, and Library) to ensure as many students as possible are able to get the technology they need to be successful in their courses; launching a district STEM Tutoring Task Force that includes students, faculty, and staff stakeholders. Our objective is to make evidence based recommendations for establishing a more coordinated and sustainable approach to providing high impact tutoring to students enrolled in STEM courses. A few of my major accomplishment before coming to Sierra College include: serving as the principle investigator for an Active Learning Center Grant from Steelcase to redesign one of the Claremont Colleges Library classrooms, and my collaborative leadership approach to revamping the Library’s research support program at Claremont. The changes we implemented resulted in an increase of over 450% in use compared to the previous year.
My professional interests include values-based assessment, critical management studies, interest-based negotiation, inclusive and equitable hiring practices, user design and experience, and new models of research support services in academic libraries.
My hobbies include camping, skiing, gardening, and pickling. I’m also an avid podcast listener; some of my recent favorites include: Hidden Brain, Throughline, Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong, and Revisionist History.
John Nguyen currently serves as the Dean of Enrollment Services at the College of Alameda, where he oversees a wide range of departments including Athletics, Admissions & Records, AANHPI, College 2 Career, Financial Aid, Health Services, Outreach, Undocumented Program, Welcome Center, and Workability. In this role, John leads efforts to increase enrollment, support student services, and cultivate inclusive and empowering practices for the college community to feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Prior to his current role, John served as the Associated Dean of Student Engagement, where he focused on enhancing student leadership, campus life, and basic needs support. With over a decade of experience in higher education, he comes with a strong background in student services, program development, and cross-campus collaboration. John is proud to lead initiatives that increased student retention, persistence, and engagement. Furthermore, he has expanded access to basic needs resources and improved operational efficiency across departments.
John earned his associate’s degree before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where he completed his bachelor’s degree. He later earned a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of the Pacific. As a lifelong learner, he is passionate about equity, leadership development, and transforming systems to better support underserved students.
Outside of work, John enjoys running, strength training, and climbing. He also plays guitar (but not well enough to perform live)! He loves a good hike, catching sunsets, and spending time with friends – especially enjoying dinners and movie nights together.
With over 18 years of experience in higher education, I am a dedicated Community College Practitioner specializing in project coordination and implementation, student and community engagement, new program development, and collaborative leadership. Throughout my career, I have developed and led initiatives that prioritize equity, access, and innovation, particularly for historically underrepresented student populations. These efforts along with my participation in ACCCA’s Admin 101 and Mentor Program, have equipped me with a strong foundation to contribute meaningfully to the Great Deans program through transparent, open, and reciprocal exchange of ideas, best practices, personal experiences.
My professional journey began as a GEAR UP coordinator at UC Irvine, serving students through the Santa Ana Partnership. This early experience was instrumental in shaping my career and academic pursuits. Working with students from low-income, undocumented, and English learner backgrounds deeply inspired me and affirmed my commitment to education. Motivated by their resilience, I pursued a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration and have completed doctoral coursework, including the first two chapters of my dissertation toward an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
I have held five progressively responsible positions at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), starting as a classified outreach specialist and advancing to my current role as Associate Dean of Student Engagement. My work has spanned departments including Instruction, Continuing Education, IT, and Student Services. I’ve led the development of impactful programs such as the CA Promise campus model and Mt. SAC’s first-ever Welcome Days–New Student Month. My contributions have been recognized through several awards, including the Inspiring Women Award, the Management Innovation Leadership Award, and the Torch Bearer Award. I also launched the college’s first Laptop and Calculator Loan Program, which expanded to serve over 4,000 students during the COVID-19 campus closure.
Outside of my professional responsibilities, I prioritize wellness and creative exploration. I enjoy reading, traveling, massages and facials, and engaging with films and television. I make it a point to visit family in Ohio each year and have committed to exploring a new country annually, particularly in Latin America, where I have visited eight countries so far. While travel offers a respite, it often brings me back to my passion, as I frequently find myself exploring local colleges, universities, and libraries to deepen my global perspective on education.
Maristella Tapia is a proud product of the California Community College system, where she began her journey as a first-generation college student at De Anza College. She went on to earn her B.A. in Sociology and M.A. in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership, Maristella is deeply committed to equity-minded education and student success.
She spent much of her career as a tenured faculty member in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, where she led initiatives in basic skills, guided pathways, and undocumented student support, and taught across Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Women’s Studies. Her leadership roles have included Department Chair, Faculty Coordinator for First Year Experience, and Interim Director of the Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action (VIDA), which supports civic and democratic engagement for system-impacted students.
In 2023, Maristella transitioned into instructional administration as Dean of Arts and Social Sciences at Ohlone College. She now serves as Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts at San José City College, in her beloved hometown of San Jose. A San José native, Maristella is passionate about building bridges between the college and the broader community to create meaningful and transformative learning experiences for students.
In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, getting outdoors, enjoying live performances and visiting art museums and libraries. Maristella is also civically engaged in various organizations focused on building affordable, just, and environmentally sustainable futures for San Jose’s residents.
I have served as the Dean of Student Services at Allan Hancock College for the past nine years. Prior to stepping into this leadership role, I spent 16 years as the Faculty Counselor, where I worked closely with students, faculty, and staff to foster a student-centered culture.
Over the course of my tenure, I have been privileged to lead and support several key initiatives, including the implementation of the Hancock Promise Initiative, which provides first-time students with free tuition and intrusive counseling and wrap around services, and the development of our Dual Enrollment program, which now connects thousands of high school students from local feeder schools with college-level coursework.
Born and raised in Santa Maria, California, I have a deep personal connection with Allan Hancock College—not just as a leader, but as an alum. I began my higher education journey right here at Hancock before transferring to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. As a proud first-generation college student, I understand firsthand the transformative power of education and have dedicated my career to expanding access and opportunity for all students.
Outside of my professional life, I’m a cinephile at heart and often joke that I may have missed my calling as a Film Studies professor. I also enjoy playing classical piano, which provides a creative and reflective atmosphere. I’ve been happily married for 25 years to an elementary school teacher, and we have two wonderful children who recently graduated from college and are now both pursuing graduate degrees.
Dr. Gregory J. Toya (he/him/his) is a higher education student affairs leader with over 25 years of experience in all three California public higher education system. As the Dean of Student Affairs at Santa Ana College, Dr. Toya oversees programs and initiatives that increase student enrollment, equity, and success, including Outreach, TRiO, Veterans Resource Center, Guided Pathways, Affinity Groups/Cultural Centers, Digital Dons (laptop loan), and Commencement.
Dr. Toya’s expertise and advocacy with community colleges is demonstrated with his role as the Director of the NASPA Community College Division. Dr. Toya served as President and Treasurer of the California Council of Cultural Centers in Higher Education (CaCCCHE) and produced a grounded theory describing the impact of staff and students on promoting the success of disproportionately impacted students. Moreover, Dr. Toya serves on the leadership team for the Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN) which is an active support network to advocate for California Community College men of color. Dr. Toya also promoted the success of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American students and student affairs professionals through his tenure as the NASPA APIKC Co-Chair. Dr Toya is also actively involved in the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) by participating in ACCCA 101, Mentor Program, Management Essentials, and multiple annual conferences.
Prior to Santa Ana College, Dr. Toya served as the Director of Student Development at El Camino College and various positions at California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM), San Diego State University, University of California, Davis, University of California, Irvine (UCI), University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Toya also taught English as an Assistant Language Teacher in rural Japan as a participant in the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) program.
Dr. Toya is a first-generation graduate earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Ecology from UCI, a master’s degree in counseling and Student Development from the UMD and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of California, San Diego and CSUSM. Dr. Toya is an avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan, enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, softball, and basketball, is a foodie, and an advocate for rabbits by volunteering his time with the San Diego House Rabbit Society.
Dr. Nicole Trager is the Dean of Mathematics & Sciences at Los Medanos College, where she leads strategic academic initiatives, fosters faculty and student development, and drives equity-centered practices across STEM disciplines. Prior to her deanship, she served as the college’s Interim Dean and, before that, directed the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program for nearly a decade. In each role, she has consistently elevated student success, secured grant funding, and championed inclusive pathways for first-generation and historically underrepresented students in STEM. She is a proud first generation latina college graduate and doctorate.
Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from the Medical University of South Carolina, where she conducted research in autoimmune neuroinflammation, and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Point Loma Nazarene University. Her scientific work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and she has presented at national and international conferences. Nicole’s background as a researcher and educator informs her systems-thinking approach to leadership in higher education, where she balances academic with student support.
Among her most meaningful accomplishments is her leadership in equity-focused campus wide initiatives, including program review revitalization, faculty hiring reform, and curriculum evaluation. She also served as Director of Operations for the Executive Board of the Community College Association of MESA and chairs the Society for Chicano and Native American Scientist (SACNAS ) National Community College Task Force—roles through which she expands her impact on a statewide and national scale.
Outside of academia, Nicole finds joy in blending creativity, culture, and connection. An avid traveler, she recently explored the festive charm of European Christmas markets, enjoying twinkling lights, mulled wine, and the warmth of local traditions. She has a soft spot for Shakespeare and never misses a chance to catch a live performance. And when it’s time to unwind, she turns up Bad Bunny, because sometimes trap and reggaetón is exactly what the heart needs. Whether through rhythm, language, or exploration, Nicole brings curiosity and cultural appreciation into all aspects of her life.
My name is George Wheeler, and I am the Dean of Arts, Business, and Cultural Programs at Rio Hondo College. In this role, I lead a diverse division that includes Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Business programs. Since stepping into this position, I have authored and launched a new Baccalaureate Degree in Electronic Digital Instrument (EDI): Performance and Production, expanded innovative curricula aligned with workforce needs, and overseen major projects such as the development of a new performing arts complex. My leadership approach focuses on equity, student success, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Before becoming dean, I accumulated over 30 years of experience as a music educator, composer, and technology specialist. I have served in various faculty and administrative roles at Rio Hondo College, including as a tenured faculty member and program coordinator. My background combines music composition, integrated technology, and academic program management, which has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to curriculum development and student engagement.
I hold a PhD in Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology, and my academic work integrates technology, creativity, and cultural responsiveness to enhance student learning. I have presented at major conferences such as MACCC and NAMM, sharing insights on program development and innovation.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my son, Diego. We share a passion for mountain biking and music, which strengthens our bond. Additionally, I studied Aikido for many years, and I continue to apply the principles of that discipline to my daily life and leadership philosophy.
Michell Williams is a long-time resident of Lassen County with a strong commitment to education, agriculture, and workforce development. She attended Johnsonville Elementary School, graduated from Lassen High School, and earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Education with an emphasis in Agricultural Science from Lassen Community College. She continued her education at California State University, Chico, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriscience/Education and a Master of Science in Agricultural Education.
Michell brings extensive experience in both government and higher education. She began her career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service in 2005, where she served in multiple roles, including Consumer Safety Inspector, Enforcement Investigation Analysis Officer, and Compliance Investigator. In these positions, she conducted regulatory oversight of meat and poultry processing plants across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, investigated food safety violations, managed product recalls and consumer illness cases, and ensured compliance with federal regulations.
In 2016, Michell returned to Susanville and began her tenure at LCC. She initially served as an HR Generalist in the Human Resources Department before transitioning to the role of Grant Operations Manager. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in managing grant funding for CTE programs. Her contributions included assisting in the development of the CIS and GIS programs and strategically allocating funds to enhance CTE initiatives. In 2021, Michell was appointed Interim Dean of Instruction for CTE programs. Under her leadership, LCC’s CTE programs have experienced significant growth, including the establishment of a Registered Nursing program, a non-credit Commercial Driver’s License program, and the upcoming Bachelor’s and Dental programs. Additionally, existing programs such as Automotive, Fire Technology and Administration of Justice have exponentially expanded under her leadership. She has also fostered strong relationships with local high schools to develop dual enrollment agreements, broadening educational opportunities and expanding course offerings for high school students in the region.
Outside of her professional life, Michell is an active and engaged member of the Lassen County community. She contributes her time and energy to several nonprofit organizations that support local youth, including Lassen County Cattlewomen and Soroptimist International of Susanville. Through these groups, she participates in community service projects, scholarship programs, and local events. Additionally, Michell is closely involved with local 4-H and FFA chapters, raising and showing livestock, mentoring youth, and supporting agricultural education at the grassroots level.
