What motivated you to run for a position on the board of trustees?

Orozco:
Community college changed my life. It provided me with the opportunity to earn a college degree while raising my family. As a first-generation, non-traditional college student, my journey was challenging. I faced obstacles like signing up for the wrong classes, dealing with imposter syndrome, and taking longer to transfer compared to my peers. However, it was also where I discovered my passion for education. I was fortunate to learn from some of the most dedicated individuals I had ever met.

I went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in History and began a teacher preparation program while working as a substitute teacher. Realizing my passion for higher education, I pivoted and obtained a Master’s in Higher Education Administration. Serving on the board of trustees has allowed me to give back to my community while pursuing my passion for higher education. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and that gratitude drives my vision as a board member.

Mendez:
I have a passion and love for Rio Hondo College. I was a full-time student and served as student trustee of the board of trustees. My roots are deep here. As a former homeless student, I know the challenges students face just by meeting basic needs of housing, food, transportation, and general well-being.

My goal is to help students feel “secure” while attending Rio Hondo. Considering the “whole” student is vital to academic success. I am deeply concerned for students, post Covid, and the challenges student face like an adaptive schedule that meets the needs of students.

What applicable qualifications do you have?

Orozco:
I have firsthand experience navigating the community college system. My graduate degree is in Higher Education Administration, and I’ve served as a mentor to numerous community college students, including my sister, a proud RHC alumna. Additionally, I am a homeowner and resident of Santa Fe Springs, and, most importantly, a mother and wife. It is my responsibility to ensure that my children—and all families—have access to high-quality job training, education, and support systems like those offered by RHC. I have served on the board for the past four years with integrity and transparency and am committed to continuing this work with the highest ethical standards.

Mendez:
I was a full-time student at Rio Hondo College, I did not just take one or two classes. I spent real time here. In addition, I was a student leader; student trustee, Model UN student, on the speech and debate team member, and a Puente student. I walked the path. Years after graduation, I returned and served successfully as a board member on the Board of Trustees for over twelve years.

As a board member, I championed initiatives like “GoRio,” the building program that built the LRC, Library Tower, Kinesiology Building and transformed the football field into today’s soccer field bringing restrooms and lighting.

What changes will you be advocating for if elected?

Orozco:
If re-elected to the board, I will continue to advocate for our students, staff, and community. My goals include:

• Championing student success: I will advocate for addressing students’ basic needs, including mental health and housing, while strengthening career pathways and preparing students for their next steps in education or careers.
• Increasing enrollment: I will support partnerships with local K-12 districts, enhance our learning centers to maximize their potential, and promote community engagement and equity.
• Supporting facility improvements: I will ensure that improvements align with our Facilities Master Plan, are fiscally responsible, and that high-priority projects are completed ethically and promptly.

Mendez:
I am concerned about declining enrollment, Rio’s fiscal stability, and shared governance.

Declining enrollment is falling, and we need to do something aggressive to secure a pathway for new students. I plan on creatively outreaching to local high schools early with a “Rio Hondo College Week” dedicated to Rio Hondo in high schools. We have to be “Community College Evangelist” and get the good word out. Also, identifying and targeting specific high school students earlier, like 1) students who are meeting A-G requirements but may not be able to afford college, 2) Students in the gray area who meet A-G requirements but don’t have a good enough GPA to get accepted to a four year, and 3) student not meeting A-G requirements but slipping through the cracks. This last group is important to outreach too early. I was one of these students with Ds and F’s. I made my way to Rio and my changed my future.

Rio’s fiscal stability worries me. I am liberal on social issues, but conservative on fiscal matters for good reason: It keeps us stable. The board needs to take a hard look at finances and hold the line on unnecessary spending. Rios reserves need to be healthy and secure. I am fiscally responsible.

Shared Governance. AB 1725 was passed in the 1980s to guarantee that constituent groups like students, staff and faculty have a seat at the table in district decisions and budgeting. This system is the pride of the California community colleges, no other system has this guarantee of participatory democracy. I would like to check and ensure that students, staff, and faculty genuinely have a seat at the table. Is Rio Hondo meeting the requirements of AB 1725? Students are our customers, the owners of the district, and your voice is vital to all decisions.

Candidates contact information:

Kristal Orozco, Trustee Area 4, Rio Hondo Community College
Website: kristal4riohondo.org
Email: [email protected]

Gary Mendez, Candidate, Rio Hondo Community College District, Area 4
Cell (626) 278-4118
[email protected]