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Thank you so much for your attendance at our Region 8 event. We enjoyed hosting you all at Mt. San Antonio College and look forward to connecting with you again at a future ACCCA event! Please take a moment to fill out our short survey about the event and sessions. Your feedback is crucial to our future planning, and we thank you in advance for taking the time to give us your responses.
Resources
Special thanks to our event sponsor, Climatec. Our event would not be possible without their generous support.
Bern Carter
Sr. Business Development Manager
916-216-1943
bcarter@climatec.com
FEATURED PRESENTERS
Session: Finding Your Why: Tools for Leading Change
Leadership in higher education is dynamic, fast-moving, and full of unexpected turns — much like stepping into the ring. But real leadership comes from knowing your Why and drawing on it as a source of clarity and strength. Your Why helps you navigate complexity, build coalitions, and create impact that lasts beyond any title.
In this session, we’ll explore leadership through the tools of policy and governance while staying grounded in purpose. We’ll share strategies for advancing change within institutional and political realities, highlighting real-world examples of leading new programs, proposals, and partnerships. Participants will also define their own “North Star” — the passion project that sustains them through challenges and keeps them returning to the ring with resilience, joy, and results.
Dr. Javier Ayala, Dean of Career Technical Education and Workforce Development, Grossmont College
Dr. Javier Ayala has served for over a decade as Dean of Career Technical Education and Workforce Development at Grossmont College, where he has led transformative initiatives in workforce development, educational policy, and community partnerships. He also serves as the elected President of the Lemon Grove School District Governing Board, a Director on the East County Chamber of Commerce Board, and as Regional Director for ACCCA, a role he has held for the past five years. A public speaker, advocate, and published author, Dr. Ayala wrote Lifespan Leadership, a book on sustaining authenticity and joy while navigating leadership across the stages of life. His accomplishments include launching innovative programs and services, establishing new student-serving initiatives, and securing millions in grants. He is recognized for blending policy expertise with a commitment to purpose-driven, joyful leadership.
Session: Embracing Our Differences: Taking an Untraditional Journey to the Community College Presidency
JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D., Executive Director, California Community Colleges Chief Instructional Officers (CCCCIO)
JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D. served as President of Cypress College from 2017–2024, where she led the college to be ranked the #1 community college in California by Niche.com and a Top 150 national college by the Aspen Institute. Under her leadership, degree and certificate awards increased by 57%, and the college was twice recognized as an Equity Champion of Excellence.
Dr. Schilling has held leadership roles as Vice President of Academic Affairs at both Cerritos and Rio Hondo Colleges, and has served on numerous statewide boards and taskforces focused on equity, affordability, and student success. She was honored as Woman of the Year in the 67th Assembly District and as a Woman of Distinction in the 45th Congressional District in 2023.
She holds a doctorate in education from Oregon State University, an MFA in playwriting from Carnegie Mellon University, and a BA in English from Smith College.
Session: Shifting the Game: Rethinking How We Lead Change
The presentation focuses on organizational change, weaving in both experiences and lessons learned through leadership, all framed by the spirit of resilience, creativity, and rethinking “how the game is played.” Drawing from the Moneyball (the movie) baseball metaphor, the presenter will share insights on how we can approach change with courage, innovation, and purpose. The presentation will be interactive throughout, with opportunities for group dialogue and reflection.
Kelly Fowler, Ph.D., Vice President of Instruction | Accreditation Liaison Officer, Mt. San Antonio College
Session: Introduction to Breathwork
Andrea Torres, M.S., MFT, Counselor/Professor, Bridge Program Mindfulness, Meditation and Breath Work Guide – Student Health Services, Mt. San Antonio College
“Hello, I am Andrea, a facilitator of mindfulness, meditation and breath work. I have served this community as a counselor and professor, teaching students about self-awareness, self-care, and wellness. I have worked with all ages and diverse populations, and I personally was a first-generation community college student at Mt. SAC. I believe in the ability of every person to make positive changes in their life with guidance and support through things like therapy and safe spaces to share and connect with others. Join me to connect and share and learn new coping skills and strategies for your overall well-being. I look forward to sharing space with you!”
