“In our world, divide and conquer must become define and empower.” - Audre Lorde

As Women’s Herstory Month nears an end, and on this Cesar Chavez Day, I am drawing strength and inspiration from the long legacy of international women leading local and global movements for human rights, peace, and justice.

Finding your people is discovering those who truly understand you, experiencing life's ups and downs together, and making a space where you can feel at home. Let your light shine bright so your people will find you!

Winter Solstice: A time for renewal.

This year winter solstice fell on Saturday, December 21. It was the shortest day and longest night of the year. The significance of the day symbolizes a representation for rebirth, fresh starts, and renewal. This day is a timely reminder to slow down, pause, rest, and create space for reflection as we look forward to a new year ahead.

“Dream until it becomes a reality, then dream some more.” - Dr. Claire Oliveros

I want to spend more time day dreaming about possibilities for change and less time feeling restricted in my own or others decision making. What I experienced this past year as a new college president was a series of highs and lows. While experiencing a learning curve in this new environment, my experience and wisdom have guided me through the challenges and opportunities.

During my short tenure I have experience a great deal of turmoil, trauma, and transition. Out of this turmoil, I have strived to lead the organization with empathy and compassion adopting new processes and practices to implement change through an equity lens, trauma-informed response, and culturally responsive health and wellness services to meet the needs of our nearly 70% Latine student population, students of color, LGBTQ+ community, and diverse employee groups.

I have prioritized mental health and wellness, emergency planning and preparedness, equity-minded decision making, diversity and equity in hiring, rebranding of the Office of the President, revitalizing the external advisory board, and launch of a new President’s Advisory Council with a focus on DEIA, Antiracism, and Belonging toward Social and Economic Justice. All of these efforts have been in collaboration with a committed group of colleagues open and ready for organizational change.

Our challenge ahead is to ensure these collective efforts are sustained beyond the individuals, and become part of the fabric of the institution. I have also been given a gift of joining my organization during a new era ripe for change. I have made meaningful connections with faculty, administrators, classified professionals, and students who care fiercely about our college community, and the greater good for equity and justice.

Overall, it has been a remarkable year! I’ve learned more, listened often, laughed out loud, and taken action steps. I have established meaningful relationships, worked to build community, and have begun new traditions grounded in equity and justice for students and employees.