COLEGAS 2025 Annual Conference| Unidxs Podemos: Uplifting Through Education Democracy and Change

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

Facilitated by Dr. Robert Holcomb, Vice President of Academic Affairs /Assistant Superintendent at Santa Rosa Junior College and Dra. Flor Huerta, Dean of Counseling and Student Development at Fullerton College

This Pre-Conference strand showcases the transformative work led by HSI transformation teams from Fullerton College and Santa Rosa Junior College, who are actively leading change through equity-centered, culturally responsive practices. This strand offers participants an in-depth look at how these institutions are reimagining their roles as HSIs—not just in name, but in practice—by centering Latinx student success, faculty and classified professional development, and institutional accountability. Attendees will engage with models of intentional, asset-based strategies that dismantle systemic barriers and affirm the identities and experiences of Latinx students. Through collaborative sessions and storytelling grounded in lived experience, this pre-conference provides a powerful space to reflect, build community, and be inspired by the bold, equity-driven transformations taking place across California’s community colleges.

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Undocu Ally Professionals

Facilitated by Dr. Guadalupe Rodriguez Corona, Director of Office of Student Equity Programs and Services, COLEGAS Vice President

This pre-conference will support Undocu Ally professionals by providing them with key information to help them serve their Undocu students and provide awareness, knowledge, and skills to serve undocumented students best. This session will begin with creating spaces for our sacred grief, rage, and joy, provide key updates on legal services, provide a community college’s DACA student experience navigating higher education, learn skills on how to build instiutional accountability to support undocumented students, survey presentation on current needs of professionals serving students will be shared, and we will be closing with a speaker from the Leticia A Network and community action stories.

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La Escalera Live: Empowering Faculty and Staff to Navigate and Elevate Their Careers

Facilitated by Dr. Abigail Garcia Patton, Vice President of Academic Affair, Los Angeles Trade Tech College, COLEGAS & The Coalition Board Member,

HSI-Leadership Network Co-founder

La Escalera Live is a culturally responsive and empowering session designed for Latinx faculty and staff ready to climb the professional ladder in the community college system. In a landscape where the “hidden curriculum” often dictates who ascends and who stays behind, this event offers a transformative space to explore how to break through the invisible barriers that limit career advancement, particularly for those from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Through this session, participants will: Gain Insights on the Hidden Curriculum: Understand the unwritten expectations and subtle barriers that may hinder your professional growth. Learn strategies to navigate these challenges, assert your value, and amplify your leadership potential.

Resume and Cover Letter Review: Receive personalized feedback to ensure your application materials authentically represent your unique experience, cultural background, and professional aspirations.

Mock Interviews: Practice interviews that help you refine your narrative and highlight your strengths, experiences, and commitment to equity. We’ll focus on crafting responses that reflect your cultural competencies and leadership abilities.

Culturally Responsive, Liberating Hiring Strategies: Explore strategies for engaging in a hiring process that values diverse perspectives and experiences. Learn how to advocate for yourself in ways that align with your cultural identity while challenging traditional norms that may unintentionally limit your advancement.

Professional Head shots: All participants will have the opportunity to take a professional head shot, ensuring you present yourself confidently across all platforms and materials.

This session is more than just a workshop; it’s a collective effort to break down barriers, celebrate our cultural identities, and empower Latinx faculty and staff to elevate their careers on their own terms. Join us for an engaging, supportive, and liberating experience that will help you step into the next chapter of your professional journey with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

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La Reunión de CEOs: A Collaborative Forum for Community College Presidents

Facilitated by Dr. Pedro Avila, Superintendent/President, Gavilan College, COLEGAS Founding Member & Dra. Angélica Garcia, Superintendent/President, Santa Rosa Junior College, COLEGAS Founding Member

This academic year has presented a unique set of challenges, from the current political climate to the impact of critical HSI defunding. This demanding environment makes peer support and shared strategy absolutely essential.

This session, La Reunión de CEOs, is specifically designed for Community College Presidents/CEOs to have honest and candid conversations. It is an informal yet focused space where we can confidentially discuss the complex issues we are all navigating, lean on one another for apoyo, and exchange effective strategies for leading our institutions forward.

Your voice and insight are crucial. We strongly encourage you to attend and contribute to this vital discussion

Register to this pre-conference strand