San Diego - American Association for Women in Community Colleges
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San Diego - American Association for Women in Community Colleges
  • Home
  • Join/Sponsor
  • Events
    • Annual Summit
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events
  • Affinity Groups
  • Newsletters
  • Leadership Team
  • Learn More
    • Directory
    • Contact Us
    • Our Bylaws

Our Elected Officers

Leadership Team

Our Executive Officers have been elected by our entire membership.  Our organization is a dynamic community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of visionaries and change-makers. Through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experience, we empower individuals to harness their potential and drive impactful change in their communities and beyond. Join us on a journey of growth, leadership, and endless possibilities by contacting your campus leader 


Leadership Directory

President : Renee Nasori

 

Renee Nasori is a seasoned higher education and social services professional with more than 20 years of leadership experience. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences with an emphasis in Social Work from San Diego State University. Ms. Nasori has built a distinguished career spanning both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including her work with organizations such as Home Start, Public Consulting Group, and the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. She currently serves as the Director of Career Services at Grossmont College, where she provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Career Center, Student Employment Center, and Adult Reentry Center. In this capacity, she leads initiatives that advance student engagement, workforce readiness, and equitable access to career development resources for diverse student populations. In addition to her institutional leadership, Ms. Nasori serves as the Vice President of Supervisors for the GCCCD Administrators Association. She is an active and engaged community leader, representing her institution in multiple regional collaborations and countywide initiatives throughout East County San Diego.

Ms. Nasori brings a deeply personal and professional commitment to serving diverse communities, including refugees and non-traditional students. She currently serves as Chair of the San Diego Refugee Forum Employment Taskforce, where she works collaboratively to promote employment pathways and economic mobility for refugee populations.

Her work has earned numerous honors, including a California State Senate Award for Outstanding Community Service and recognition at the 23rd Annual Women in Leadership (WILL) event hosted by the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce in 2025. Ms. Nasori is also a graduate of the Leadership Institute of Tomorrow (LIFT) at California State University, Fullerton. Ms. Nasori is a dedicated lifelong learner, mentor, and advocate for education, committed to empowering individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term success.


Vice President: Dr. Josolyn Hill

  

Introducing Josolyn Hill, who is an equity-driven leader, dedicated to empowering women in community colleges, and people who are underrepresented in institutions of higher education through personal and professional development opportunities. With over two decades of experience in higher education, both in instructional and student services, Josolyn is committed to creating equitable educational environments and fostering connections among women in academia. She actively supports and advocate for women in their roles by promoting programs that enhance success, retention, and transfer, especially for underrepresented groups in marginalized communities.

Josolyn’s passion for eliminating barriers and fostering diversity and inclusion stems from her own educational journey. As the first in her family to earn a doctorate, she understands the transformative power of education, especially for women of color. Dr. Hill has devoted her career to being involved in designing student-centered initiatives that increase access to higher education for African American and other underrepresented students, breaking down the digital divide and addressing equity gaps. She leads advocacy efforts that ensure these students receive the support they need to thrive, just as she did with the encouragement of her twin sister, Rosolyn, who introduced her to community colleges and inspired her academic pursuits.

Josolyn’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and advocacy. She draws strength from her faith and the unwavering support of her family, who have been her pillars throughout her journey. Josolyn attributes her professionalism to her sister Rhonda and her resilience to her twin sister Rosolyn. She considers her mother, along with her sisters Rhonda and Rosolyn, as role models of perseverance and wise decision-making. A native of San Diego, Josolyn, along with her husband, raised three remarkable human beings —Roddrick, Jarod, and Nesha—all of whom are college graduates. She takes immense pride in their achievements, determination, and the unwavering love and support they provide her. Their success inspires her to continue leading with a servant’s heart and as a transformational leader.

With a background in business administration and leadership, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership Management, Dr. Hill is dedicated to mentoring students and colleagues alike. As a Black Excellence mentor, she focuses on empowering Black and African American students, providing them with the guidance, tools, and encouragement they need to succeed. In addition, to helping other marginalized people who have faced systematic barriers and unexpected hurdles.

Dr. Hill believes that community colleges offer more than second chances—they offer a path to bettering one’s life. At City College, Josolyn strives to mirror the support she received, ensuring that all students matter by feeling valued and capable of achieving their goals. Through Josolyn’s leadership, she continues to encourage others to push beyond their limits, as she has done, and she reminds them that perseverance, mentorship, and the support of outstanding women can make all the difference. 

Josolyn’s mission is to continue advocating for women in academia, ensuring that they have the resources, connections, and support needed to thrive in their careers.

Dr. Hill stands as a testament to the power of education, mentorship unwavering support of loved ones, community, and standing on the shoulders of outstanding women. A seat was saved for her, where she found her voice as a participant in the CA Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute offered by California Black Women’s Think Tank Leadership Institute at California State University Dominguez Hills, and she remains committed to uplifting others through her work. "Don’t be afraid to push yourself… you never know where you will go!" This belief guides my work and my journey. With God as my guiding light, I walk forward with confidence, purpose, and the unshakable belief that we can accomplish anything with faith and perseverance. I draw strength through scriptures such as Phil 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.

Secretary: Catherine Shafer

 

Catherine received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Seton Hall University, and a Masters of Nursing in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Catherine joined the San Diego Community College District in 2005 after a successful career in bedside nursing and nursing administration. Since joining SDCCD, she has served as Director of the Vocational Nursing Program and Simulation Lab Coordinator at City College. After 18 years as a member of the Nursing Education faculty, Catherine joined the San Diego College of Continuing Education as Dean, Healthcare Careers. As Dean, she continues her work towards building a highly qualified healthcare workforce through expanding program offerings to include Optical Technician, Ophthalmic Assistant and Vocational Nurse Training programs 



Treasurer: Lynn Dang

 

Lynn is a financial leader with over 25 years of accounting experience and 15+ years in leadership roles within higher education. She has a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Accounting. She has a strong passion for working with numbers and

financial systems. Currently serving as Accounting Supervisor at San Diego Mesa College, Lynn oversees student accounting operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and GAAP compliance. She is committed to maintaining strong internal controls and

ensuring fiscal integrity. In addition to her core responsibilities, she serves on the Mesa Classified Professional Conference committee. Known for her attention to detail and collaborative approach, Lynn works effectively with students, faculty, administrators, and community partners.

Past President : Noora Al Saegh

President: 2024-2026


Noora Al Saegh has more than 18+ years of progressive experience in Education, Counseling, Leadership and Workforce Development and would be honored to serve as the President for the San Diego Chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (SDCAAWCC). During the 2021-2024 academic year, Noora has been serving on the leadership team of the SDCAAWCC as a Campus Co-Lead and then as a professional Development Coordinator. In her role, Noora plays a critical part in developing programing through her representation of the diverse women in the San Diego Region. She has proposed and helped to implement many innovative ideas which have improved the organization, helping it to earn the distinction of 2021 Chapter of the Year. Noora hopes to serve in a greater capacity as President of the organization to continue the legacy of the chapter to fulfil such goals. Noora has been awarded as 2023 Faculty Woman of the year.


Noora’s professional history includes several professional positions such as Academic and Career Counselor, Outreach Committee Lead at Grossmont College, Professional Development Professor, curriculum designer, Foreign Relations Coordinator, and the Founder of The Bright Nations Initiative. Noora is a licensed Conflict Resolution Trainer. She holds a certificate in Project Management (PMP). Noora has bachelor's degree in English literature and Art and a master's degree in educational counseling in Higher Education.

Noora has deep knowledge and experience in providing equitable personal, academic and career counseling. She is an advocate of student success and equity.


Noora arrived to USA as an immigrant woman. She always supports and participates with community college leaders to help provide learning and spread knowledge about how to incorporate actionable Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) strategies into faculty, staff, and administrator professional development opportunities, culturally responsive teaching and learning practices, and student support services. In 2016, Noora founded and led The Bright Nations Initiatives a nonprofit-organization that has over 40 volunteers in southern California. The Bright Nations aims to help newcomers, immigrants, low-income families, and single mothers by providing them with essential household items in addition to self-sufficiency support. Translation and transportation services are also a part of The Bright Nations Initiatives. Counseling and community resources are also included to empower and help them have successful lives in the United States.


In her Free time, Noora enjoys biking, playing chess, and reading poetry. Noora loves singing and listening to music.

Past President: Dr. Edeama O. Jonah

President: 2022-2024

 

Dr. Edeama O. Jonah is an Associate Professor/Equity and Engagement Librarian at the San Diego Mesa College. She has worked as an Academic Librarian and gained several years of experience actively working in libraries and engaging with faculty and students toward promoting student success and learning outcomes. 

She has a passion for motivating, encouraging, and uplifting women of different age groups and ethnic backgrounds.  She was the inaugural Secretary of the chapter and served as Vice President for the San Diego Chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (SDC-AAWCC). She was the pioneering lead of the SDC-AAWCC Affinity Group for Black Women in Community Colleges and started the “Sister-Buddies” program offered to promote connections and relationships that support the women in the chapter. 

Dr. Edeama was selected as a member of the 2021 AAWCC ``Under 40” National Award for her contributions to the association. She is currently the President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges. She is committed to being a part of the team that creates an academic environment where women feel safe, welcomed, respected, and empowered.

Founding President: Dr. Veronica Gerace, President 2019 - 2022

Founding President

Professional Development and Events Coordinator: VACANT

Organizational Effectiveness and Special Projects Coordinator: Dr. Nora Kenney

  

Nora Kenney, Ph.D., is the coordinator of the Palomar College Rising Scholars program for currently and formerly incarcerated students. Since being founded in 2018 by a formerly incarcerated professor, Palomar College Rising Scholars has helped over 700 formerly incarcerated individuals pursue vocational and academic credentials. The program is the subject of Almost Home: Life After Incarceration, an Emmy-winning documentary that premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in June 2023. Dr. Kenney overcame childhood trauma to become a tenure track professor who taught, administered programs, and conducted research in Oakland schools and community centers on behalf of the UC Berkeley School of Education, where she also earned her advanced degrees. Dr. Kenney is a proud California community college alumna. 

Communications and Marketing Coordinator: Karla Trutna

 

Karla’s career is dedicated to serving students transitioning through different stages of life and education. Karla has worked in higher education for over 18 years.  She previously served as the Outreach, Promise Coordinator & Assessment Supervisor at Mesa College. She is currently serving as the Director of EOPS and Special Programs at Mesa College. In her role, Karla oversees the following special programs: Extended Opportunity and Programs and Services (EOPS) which supports students who are financially and educationally disadvantaged to increase college enrollment; The Rising Scholars Program supports students who have been justice impacted; Cooperative Agencies and Resources for Education (CARE) which supports students who are single parents and are current recipients of TANF/CalWORKs; Borderless Scholars Program which supports students who identify as undocumented or mixed status;  Next UP and FAST supports students who have experienced foster care;  and STAR TRIO which is a federally funded educational opportunity outreach program designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Karla has had the pleasure of working closely with prospective students and their families, serving as an advocate for them, collaborating with staff and faculty to better serve students, and develop programs that help students have successful transitions to community college. Serving diverse student populations through such capacities has motivated and guided her work in academia. Karla graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and earned her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration in 2020. Karla is on track to begin her Ed.D program in Educational Leadership with UCSD and CSUSM in January 2025. Karla loves spending quality time with her husband Dennis and watching her son Dominik compete in water polo matches.



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