Candidate for
Trustee; Ohlone Community College District; Area 2

Candidate for Ohlone Community College District, Area 2, November 4, 2014

My education and qualifications for this board seat include 47 years of experience in higher education including over 42 years of employment at CSU East Bay in several departments, six years as an Instructor at a local business and technical college; a Master's Degree in Public Administration (Organizational Change), and a Bachelor's Degree in Administrative Communication. As a first generation college student in my family, I understand the obstacles many students face seeking higher education. Beginning in a local community college myself, this setting gave me an outstanding preparation for work in my advanced degrees. But Ohlone College is not just about entrance to higher education, it can be much more. In one of the most challenging economies ever faced by our country, Ohlone prepares many students with the highest in vocational education + as we move to a new age in "green technologies". Ohlone is prepared to train students in both existing technologies, core subjects and the arts, as well as, necessary skills in advancing green technology.

My four children have all attended Ohlone College. These campuses are a hidden jewel in the Tri-City area that deserve Board Members with the higher commitment, inspiration and creative vision to take them to the next level. I believe I have those qualities. Re-elect me to continue building bridges within the academic arena, be a voice for inclusiveness, seek budget stability, and to enhance community partnerships for this District.

As a life-long Democrat raised in a union family, I have some of the following additional experiences: my first call to service in the party was working for Leo J. Ryan's campaign when I was in high school back in the 60's. We did the usual walking, talking and stuffing of envelopes and I came to be uniquely inspired by Congressman Ryan. In more recent years, I have served as the Secretary for several years of the Tri Cities Democratic Forum [TCDF], then I moved up to their Communications Director for two years. I was elected to be an Alternate Hillary Delegate to Denver in 2008 through my CD. I was elected for numerous two-year terms as an AD20 Delegate to the California Democratic Party, and also served for several years as the AD20 E-Board Rep to the CDP. I am currently an elected AD25 Delegate to the CDP.

As a full time university employee for many years, college student, college instructor, parent of college students, and a recognized community leader, I understand the issues facing higher education today and would welcome your endorsement and vote for my re-election this November to the Ohlone Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 2. Thank you for your consideration!