About Michelle
A Journey from Community College to Community Leadership
Community college is where opportunity and access launch success. I’m proof of that.
I was fortunate to take advantage of numerous opportunities at the beginning of my academic journey. I had the incredible experience of studying abroad, focusing on International Affairs in Southeast Asia while teaching English at Shandong Middle School in Jinan, China. I even had the opportunity to intern at the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund in Washington, D.C., while I was just out of high school. I owe so much to our state Community Colleges, and I’m ready to give back to an institution that has given so much to me.
Fifteen years ago, our family decided to make this community our home. We value the importance of education and are proud to be part of a community known for its safe, high-performing schools with rich diversity.
I worked in the aerospace industry, ensuring compliance standards were met and well-documented for space and military products. However, my most fulfilling work was as a Case Work Manager for the California State Assembly, where our office closed hundreds of cases, connecting those in our district with much-needed resources during the height of the pandemic.
Before the world shut down, I decided to continue my education as a working mother. I enrolled at College of the Canyons to complete the classes needed to transfer. I ultimately earned my Bachelor’s in Public Sector Management with Honors from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2023.
My story isn't unique; thousands of adults reenter school for retraining every year, to complete their education, or for personal growth. This institution is more than just classes – it provides job training, support for reentry students, it is a space where our business community receives support and resources, and serves as the heartbeat of our community. Many, like myself, continue their higher education for future economic opportunity, to elevate their families to success, and to pave the way for their children to pursue their own higher education so that their life goals could also be within reach.
The reality is that this institution does not belong to us—it belongs to future generations in pursuit of their dreams. It is the cornerstone for many high school graduates taking their first steps into the real world. It must remain a beacon of opportunity and success for all who walk through its doors.
I believe that every student deserves a chance to succeed at whatever age they enroll, and I’m committed to ensuring that everyone who steps onto College of the Canyons has the resources and support they need to thrive.
