Candidate for
Trustee; San Diego Community College District; Trustee Area E

There are three main reasons why I am running for the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees: 1) I believe we need more quality women on Boards and in office; 2) I believe we need more diversity on the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees; and 3) I believe we need more change at the San Diego Community College District. I almost achieved all of these goals as an African American and Vietnamese woman who nearly received 40% of the vote from the San Diego Community in the June Primary Election without any major endorsements or name recognition. These reasons actually align with the League of Women Voters of San Diego's vision to value diversity; citizen participation and empowerment; and community engagement.

I am specifically running for the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees to Put the "C" Back into Community College!

I believe education is the bridge to improving our quality of life and the link to economic security and empowerment. As a sixteen-year San Diego resident, I have experienced the importance and value of community colleges in improving the quality of life for all San Diegans at all stages of their lives and careers. I will bring renewed energy and focus to reconnecting San Diegans with the vast opportunities afforded by our community colleges.

I want to ensure our community colleges meet their mission "To provide accessible, high quality learning experiences to meet the educational needs of the San Diego community" and are accountable to the communities they serve.

I will advocate to improve and expand relevant educational opportunities for all San Diegans. I will ensure that faculty and staff receive the support required to ensure students meet the economic demands of our region. Throughout my career, I have learned how students feel about their educational experience and the challenges they encounter. I have seen how the disconnect between the community's expectations and what the community college offers, has created problems that can only be addressed with new leadership.

My priorities include: Improving graduation rates, college preparation and transfer placement; prioritizing the budget, emphasizing affordable tuition; promoting educational opportunity and economic empowerment; recruiting and retaining quality culturally competent and compassionate faculty; developing community partnerships and collaborations; maximizing technology and environmental initiatives; and increasing working families ability to connect to a strong workforce.

My background includes: Masters of Social Work in Public Policy and Social & Economic Development from Washington University; Citizens Equal Opportunity Commissioner; LEAD San Diego Graduate; North Park Planning Committee and Redevelopment Project Area Committee Board Member; Graduate Advisor for undergraduate students; Leadership Enhancement Coordinator for high school students; Reading Tutor for elementary school students; Public Library Storyteller; and Deputy Project Manager over budgetary and community development matters.

I have been recognized for bringing people together to face and solve complex problems and to achieve measurable improvements throughout our educational system. This is the vision and leadership I want to bring to the Board of Trustees on your behalf. You have the opportunity to vote for better leadership.

For more campaign information, visit http://www.vote4lan.com and http://www.facebook.com/vote4lan.