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photos/bios - Welcome cohort 5
Lilia Acevedo (She/Ella) is the Educational Advisor at La Casa, the Latino Student Engagement Center at Riverside City College, and the ALASS (Association of Latinx Advocating for Student Success) co-chair. Lilia has been a dedicated student service professional in California Community Colleges for over 20 years. She has extensive experience in the areas of Veterans, Counseling, Admissions and Records, and Financial Aid. She received her bachelor’s in Sociology from Chapman University, a Master’s degree in Education, and a graduate certificate in Restorative Justice Practice and Trauma-Informed Care from San Diego State University. Lilia is passionate about preserving and celebrating Chicano culture and is a community cultural organizer in Riverside, California. She has developed original programs for institutions such as The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture and The Culver Center for the Arts.
Jenn Acfalle, Ed.D. is the Director of Human Resources at MiraCosta College and has been working in higher ed for 11 years. Jenn believes that community colleges are uniquely positioned to serve a wide range of diverse populations by offering open access, affordable tuition, and flexible learning pathways. However, systemic barriers continue to inhibit equitable access and success. For example, a lack of diversity among faculty, staff, and leadership can negatively impact students’ sense of belonging and representation. Additionally, implicit bias in recruitment and promotion processes may perpetuate underrepresentation and limit opportunities for historically marginalized groups. Jenn seeks opportunities where HR can help increase access and foster equity by implementing inclusive and equity-minded recruitment and retention practices, and by regularly reviewing and revising institutional policies to remove barriers and embed social justice standards.
My name is Alondra Alamo(she/her/ella). I was born and raised in Pasadena, CA. I currently serve as the MESA Program Specialist at Mission College. I received my bachelor’s degree in Chicanx studies and minors in Community Regional Development and Education from UC Davis, and my master’s in Higher Education from CSUF. I have worked in higher education for the past three years and enjoy working with STEM students.
Outside of my work, I like to go on hikes, explore new coffee shops and places to eat, and spend time with my partner, friends, and family. I am the youngest of four, child of immigrants, and am a proud dog mom of an 11-year-old Yorkie named Nismo.
With over a decade of experience in the California Community Colleges, Katie Cabral continues to spark curiosity among practitioners in her role as a Research and Planning Analyst at Cuyamaca College. Her reputation as a humble, principled leader who works to advance social justice and disrupt the status quo has resulted in recognition at both the state and local level, including receiving the California Community College’s Board of Governors Classified Employee of the Year Award, the 4CS Classified Senate President Service Award, Cuyamaca College President’s Outstanding Leadership and Service Award, and the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s Chancellor and Classified Senate Award. By leading with love and compassion, Katie strives to create and maintain a college and district culture that values, affirms, and celebrates the lived experiences and expertise that students, classified employees, faculty, administrators, and other community members as we work to advance equitable student access and outcomes.
Jeremy Clark brings over two decades of teaching and leadership experience to his role as Associate Dean of Natural and Physical Sciences at Citrus College, a position he assumed in December 2024. Previously, he served 23 years as a full-time faculty member in the college’s automotive technology program, alongside key leadership roles, including 15 years as Toyota Technical Education Network Program Coordinator, two years as co-chair of the Perkins Implementation Team, and four years as Academic Senate Vice President and President. Jeremy also taught at North Orange County Regional Occupational Program and Cerritos College. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Azusa Pacific University. Happily married for 25 years, Jeremy is a proud father of three boys and enjoys surfing and dirt bike riding with his family.
Brad Dorschel is a strategic and equity-driven higher education leader with over a decade of instructional and administrative experience in the California Community College system. He has served in roles spanning faculty, department chair, dean, and categorical fund manager, with expertise in workforce development, strategic planning, grant and budget administration, and creating equity-focused student success initiatives. Currently, he oversees multiple state and federal workforce grants at San Diego College of Continuing Education, aligning programs with labor market demand, institutional priorities and student needs. Brad holds an M.S. in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Diversity & Inclusion and is deeply committed to expanding access, fostering inclusive learning environments, and advancing economic mobility through innovative, student-centered career education pathways.
Dr. Vanessa Esquivido-Hernandez serves as the Director of the Native American Student Support and Success Programs at Sacramento City College and is currently the Interim Dean of Retention and Persistence. An enrolled member and elected Vice Chair of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation, she is also Hupa and Xicana. Dr. Esquivido-Hernandez earned her Ph.D. in Native American Studies from the University of California, Davis. Her research centers on non-federally recognized California Indian Tribes, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), CalNAGPRA, and California Native basketry. In addition to her campus leadership, she serves as Co-Chair of the Sacramento Native American Higher Education Collaborative (SNAHEC), advancing educational equity and opportunities for Native students across the region.
Melissa Flores is the Interim Director of Student Equity & Success at Fresno City College, where she leads the writing and implementation of the 2025-2028 Student Equity Plan and serves as Tri-Chair of the Student Equity & Success Committee. She drives initiatives that advance racial equity, student-centered practices, and professional development, including RAM REL (Racial Equity Lab), RAM REAL (Racial Equity Action Lab), and the New Employee Equity Academy (NEEA). Melissa has developed identity-affirming programs such as CHEL, FCC’s program for LGBTQ+ students and allies, and supports system-impacted students through Rising Scholars and the Juvenile Justice programs. Her work emphasizes inclusive, data-informed, and sustainable strategies that remove barriers and empower students and staff alike. Known for her collaborative, asset-based approach, Melissa balances strategic planning with building community, connection, and pathways for student success.
I am starting my eighth year as the Dean of Language Arts and twentieth year at Skyline College. I love engaging in professional development as I focus on continuous growth as an educator to better serve our students and community. I seek out opportunities to strengthen my fluency in, understanding of, and engagement with DEIA and social justice because I firmly believe that I have a responsibility to engage in work to support DEIA and social justice in my role as an administrator and as a white, cis-gender male. I am an alumnus of ACCCA’s Mentor Program and Admin 101 and member on ACCCA’s Commission for Finance, Legislation, and Advocacy and one of the program leads for ACCCA’s webinar team. Outside of work, you can find me at the golf course, the hot yoga studio, a concert, or with my amazing 14 year old son and 6 year old Weimaraner.
Michelle Hernandez is a dedicated servant-leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing student success and equity in higher education. She has held numerous leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Student Life, Director of Student Activities and Community Outreach, Title V HSI Grant Project Director, and Director of First | Second Year Experience programs. In these positions, she championed initiatives designed to improve outcomes for diverse student populations.
Currently serving as Dean of Equity & Engagement at De Anza College, Michelle provides vision and leadership for campus-wide equity initiatives, student engagement programs, and professional development focused on high impact practices. Her work centers on building a strong sense of belonging, removing systemic barriers, and ensuring that equity and social justice guide institutional efforts to foster student access, persistence, and success.
Rena Horse is an enrolled member of the Pit River Tribe and Paiute from Northeastern California, with ancestral ties to the Astarawi (Hot-Springs People) and Gidutikad (Ground Hog Eaters) bands. She has served on the Tribal Council of the Pit River Tribe and is dedicated to advancing Native student success and community wellness.
Rena currently serves as Director of the Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) at American River College. Previously, she was Coordinator of the Esaktima Center at California State University, Sacramento, and Associate Director of the NEST at the University of California, Davis.
Passionate about education and social justice, Rena has worked on initiatives addressing the protection of sacred sites, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People awareness, K–12 advocacy, and increasing Native representation in higher education. She is committed to student-centered innovation, equity, collaboration, and community partnerships. Rena is committed to supporting Native students on their academic journey and developing Native student leaders.
Rena earned a B.A. in Ethnic Studies from Sacramento State and is pursuing a Master of Social Work with an Indigenous focus at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Raniyah Johnson is a seasoned student affairs leader with over a decade of experience advancing equity, student success, and campus belonging across California community colleges. She currently serves as Dean of Counseling and Student Equity at Berkeley City College, where she oversees academic counseling, statewide categorical programs, basic needs services, and equity-focused learning communities such as Umoja, Puente, and API Lead/AANAPISI. Previously, she served as Director of Student Development, Engagement & Inclusion at Evergreen Valley College, leading student life, equity initiatives, and basic needs programming. A past president of the California Community College Student Affairs Association, Raniyah has also contributed on statewide and nationwide committees, through CHEBNA and the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. As a recent, UC Davis Wheelhouse Summer Scholar, her professional research is focused on the relationship between Black Racial Identity Development and the academic success and sense of belonging for Black male students enrolled in California community colleges.
Melissa Vang, Ph.D, currently serves as a Senior Research Analyst at Mount San Antonio College. She earned her degree from the joint Doctoral Program from San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate University. Her research examines the intersection of academia and identity though an equity lens and focuses on the experiences of Hmong American students in higher education. She was a recipient of the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution research grant funded through the Department of Education and selected by the California State University Chancellor’s Office as a fellow in the Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program. With her background and experience in higher education, she had the opportunity to serve in various capacities working alongside executive administrators and campus leaders to address inequitable practices. The majority of her work was spent as a Research Consultant for the Community College Equity Assessment Lab which partners with various community colleges across the nation to address practices that disproportionately impact underserved communities.
Dr. Renée Kazemipour Paquier is a higher education leader committed to advancing equity, access, and student success in California’s community colleges. She currently serves as Interim Vice President of Student Services at Ohlone College, where she leads efforts to remove barriers and expand opportunities for diverse student populations.
Previously, she served as Vice President of Student Services, Diversity & Inclusion, and Academic Dean at West Valley College. In these roles, she directed a $10 million budget, implemented equity-focused initiatives such as Guided Pathways, and successfully introduced the Starfish retention platform. She also secured over $700,000 in student scholarships, developed global study abroad and service-learning programs, and hosted the college’s first prayer room to support an inclusive campus culture.
Beyond higher education, Dr. Paquier serves as Chair of the Santa Clara County Senior Care Commission, where she advocates for accessible services and intergenerational equity. Her career reflects a consistent dedication to equity-centered leadership, cultural competency, and community engagement.
Thomas has served as a community leader for over 30 years in Law Enforcement and Education. Thomas began his career in Law Enforcement in Northern Colorado in 1990 in Larimer County. He is credited for building effective intervention/prevention programs that reduced juvenile crime and was awarded the Colorado Citizen of the year in 1996.
In 1999, Thomas continued his work as a Police Officer in Meeker, Co. and later with Flagstaff PD. On the streets, Thomas investigated street crimes and drug related incidents. Thomas was an FTO, SRO and General Instructor. He was honored with a Life Saving Award and as the Flagstaff Officer of the Year in 2002.
In 2006, Thomas transitioned into Education as a CTE Instructor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thomas became a mastery, student centered instructor while developing a social emotional learning model coined “The Lamica Model”. Thomas trained students pursuing careers in Law Enforcement, while supporting Instructors needing mentoring.
In 2013, Thomas transitioned into Educational Leadership, serving as the Newaygo County Career Technical Center Principal, before returning to California. Thomas currently serves Allan Hancock College as an Academic Dean, assigned to Career Technical Education programs, Workforce Development and Early College Dual Enrollment partnerships.
Thomas enjoys serving as a Part Time Faculty at AHC with Administration of Justice courses. His passion is to serve, teach and mentor current and future educational leaders. Thomas and his wife, Shelly, are blessed to have 10 children all following their own passions in life.
Dr. Michael L. McClellan is a distinguished leader in the California Community College system with 24 years of impactful service marked by aggregated excellence across instruction, student services, and institutional leadership. He currently serves as Associate Superintendent of Instruction and Institutional Effectiveness at Chaffey College—becoming the first African American to hold this executive role in the college’s 142-year history. A former tenured professor at Pasadena City College, Dr. McClellan launched transformative programs advancing equity and student achievement. He holds an Ed.D. in Community College Leadership, multiple advanced degrees, and has completed prestigious national leadership programs including Harvard’s Management Development Program. Known for his servant leadership and unwavering commitment to DEIAA, he has spearheaded initiatives that integrate instruction and student support to improve outcomes. A proud Inland Empire native and former University of Oregon football standout, Dr. McClellan continues to drive innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in higher education.
LeeAnne McNulty, Ed.D. brings 28 years of educational experience, vision, educational reform actions, grant-writing, and culturally responsive leadership in elementary through graduate level settings. As the co-author of the Culturally Responsive Higher Education Curriculum Assessment Tool and author of the Culturally Responsive and Humanizing Organizational Assessment, Dr. McNulty provides the instruments and guidance necessary to transform higher education institutions into organizations that affirm cultural strengths, respond to cultural needs, and connect to populations served by affirming the value of stratified perspectives, diverse experiences, and historical contributions. Currently, she is the Director of Institutional Grants and the DEIA/EEO Administrative Co-Chair at Allan Hancock College, enabling her to serve thousands of students and the community in an array of interventions and reform efforts. LeeAnne McNulty holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, multiple-subject teaching credential, CLAD credential, master’s in education, and doctoral degree in organizational leadership, education.
Andrew Mertig, Ed.D., is a higher education leader with over 16 years of experience in enrollment management, student services, and equity-driven access initiatives. He currently serves as Office of Student Recruitment Manager at Palomar College, where he oversees strategic outreach, CRM implementation, and staff development to strengthen enrollment pipelines. Previously, he held leadership roles at San Diego State University and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, managing large-scale recruitment efforts, supervising diverse professional teams, and building community-based partnerships to expand college access for first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students.
Dr. Mertig earned his Doctor of Education in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement, with a dissertation examining the impact of rural scholarship programs on college attendance. A published author and experienced instructor, he has taught communication and career exploration courses at the college level. His leadership is guided by collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a deep commitment to equity and student success.
Mirna Najera is a CalWORKs Academic Counselor at Glendale Community College and a tenured faculty counselor as of May 2025. She holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling, with an Option in Rehabilitation Counseling, as well as a Career Counseling Certificate. Over the past 19 years, she has served in various academic counseling roles at Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Southwest College and Glendale Community College. Her extensive experience spans key student support programs, including EOP&S, TRIO, and Workforce Development, where she has provided comprehensive guidance to diverse student populations. Throughout her career, she has been committed to equity, access and student empowerment. She is especially passionate about helping students find their “why”-their core motivation and purpose-and supporting them as they take meaningful steps toward their academic personal, and career goals. Her counseling approach is student-centered, holistic and rooted in fostering self-awareness and lifelong growth.
Dr. Elizabeth Riley is Dean of Health Occupations at Cerritos College, overseeing nursing, allied health, and workforce development programs that prepare students to meet the region’s healthcare needs. She began her career as a faculty member and advanced into leadership roles through a deep commitment to student success, equity, and innovative program design. Dr. Riley has spearheaded regional partnerships with hospitals, universities, and community organizations to expand clinical placements, align ADN-to-BSN pathways, and strengthen the nursing workforce pipeline. She plays an active role in legislative advocacy, serving on statewide consortia and advisory committees to influence nursing and allied health education policy. Her research interests bridge health psychology, mind–body practices, and student well-being, including interventions that address equity and retention in higher education. With a career rooted in service and collaboration, Dr. Riley is dedicated to advancing inclusive, future-focused academic leadership in community colleges.
My name is Natalie Rodriguez, and I am the Director of Student Activities and Campus Life at the College of Alameda. An Indigenous Xicana woman, child of immigrants, and non-native English speaker, I bring a deeply personal commitment to social justice, equity, and education. Born and raised in Oakland’s Fruitvale District, I am a proud Peralta Colleges alum and first-generation college graduate.
I hold a master’s in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University (valedictorian) and a double major in Ethnic and Xicana Studies from UC Berkeley. My career spans education and communications, including roles as Interim Dean of Enrollment Services, Outreach and Retention Specialist, librarian, and mentor. Most importantly, I am a mother of three, including a child with autism and a global developmental delay—an experience that fuels my advocacy for disability inclusion and family-centered support.
My work is rooted in community uplift, from expanding student programs to performing with Circulo Cultural, bringing Spanish-language theater to underserved audiences.
Dr. Bala Sethu Raja served for more than 25 years in higher education and has a wide range of impressive accomplishments in teaching, research, grants and overseeing programs at both California State University (CSU) and California Community College (CCC) system. He is passionate about equity in education for underrepresented populations. He is known for his leadership to streamline mathematics requirements in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses towards equitable pathways and transformational student success in the CCC. He also has experience serving rural and urban communities having served in Career Technical Education (CTE) and STEM areas developing special academic programs, transfer pathways and workforce development. He is a is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach who enjoys coaching through culturally-informed strengths-based approach to advance employee success.
Sue Vang is a first-generation Hmong American from Fresno, California, and a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and an M.S. in Counseling – Student Services. She is the fourth child in a large family and currently serves as a Career Development Counselor at Reedley College, where she has over 14 years of experience guiding students in discovering their path and purpose.
A passionate advocate for equity and access, Sue specializes in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and empowered. Beyond her professional role, Sue is a proud mother of two and enjoys caring for her many plants.
Angie Veliz is an EOPS Specialist at Saddleback College and a EOPS Alumna with over eight years of experience in higher education. Her work centers on promoting educational equity and expanding access for historically underrepresented student populations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Law, Society, and Politics from California State University, Fullerton and a Master of Arts in Education, Administration and Leadership in Higher Education from Trident University.
From 2023–2024, Angie participated in the Caring Campus Institute, a collaboration of 22 community colleges focused on fostering student-centered environments. As part of the initiative, she contributed to the development of a unified Caring Campus Institutionalization and Sustainability Guidebook. Committed to student success, Angie continues to champion inclusive practices and holistic support in higher education.
Angie looks forward to participating in SJCA, and strengthening her skills to increase Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in higher education.
I am a bilingual Latina part-time business professor at East Los Angeles College, where I teach business courses that integrate culturally responsive pedagogy and equity-minded practices. As a first-generation college graduate who grew up in the South Gate community, I bring authentic lived experience to my work supporting diverse student populations, particularly first-generation and Spanish-speaking learners.
My commitment to removing barriers for students is demonstrated through my implementation of OER textbooks, bilingual classroom support, and inclusive teaching strategies. I have completed professional development in Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education and participated in the LA Regional Hospitality and Tourism Collaborative Initiative, aligning curriculum with workforce needs for underrepresented students.
Beyond the classroom, I serve as a Catholic youth leader at St. James Parish, mentoring students from diverse economic backgrounds. I am passionate about advancing to full-time faculty positions where I can expand my impact on institutional equity initiatives.
Sona Wolfe is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience, currently serving as an Employee Relations Specialist. She began her HR career in 2010 supporting recruitment and has since led key initiatives including compensation and classification studies, implementation of applicant tracking and benefit administration systems, and transitioning paper-based processes to digital workflows. Sona holds a BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources Management. She is passionate about fostering positive workplace environments and continuously developing her expertise in mediation, labor relations, and employee engagement.
