Presenter Bios

Chancellor, CCCCO
Sonya Christian, PhD, is a fierce advocate for the life-changing ability of community colleges to reach underserved populations and educate the future workforce. She is committed to advancing work through distributed leadership and collaborative communities of learning, and to promoting the value of equity in student learning, access, success and economic mobility.

Vice Chancellor for Educational Services and Support, CCCCO
Dr. Aisha Lowe is a passionate educator who has dedicated her life to improving education for all students and communities. As Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Supports for the CA Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Aisha provides leadership for Educational Services division activities including transfer and articulation, curriculum chaptering and approval, equity programs and grants, innovations in teaching and learning, special project management, and system wide technical assistance delivery. Prior to joining the Chancellor’s Office in 2020, Dr. Lowe served as Associate Professor of Education at William Jessup University, where she oversaw the thesis research of future teachers in training. She also served as the Dean of the Office of Academic Research, leading the university’s Strategic Academic Research Plan and academic grant making. Additionally, Aisha served the students of the Los Rios Community College District, Sierra College and CSU Sacramento as an adjunct professor for over eight years. Dr. Lowe received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s in Sociology from Stanford University where she also received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.

Vice Chancellor for Educational Services and Support, CCCCO
Rebecca Ruan-O’Shaughnessy is the Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Support at the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. She oversees student service programs and initiatives to ensure equitable access and foster unconditional belonging among 1.9 million students. With a diverse professional background spanning the private sector, public service and nonprofit organizations, Rebecca places a strong emphasis on catalyzing economic empowerment and social mobility. Her experiences include service as vice president at United Healthcare, where she led a national unit in the development and implementation of employment-based social determinants of health strategies to improve population health outcomes for the company’s six million Medicaid members; the first corporate executive for a U.S. subsidiary of a global manufacturer, where she led the company’s transition from concept to full production with over 1,000 employees within 18 months; and the head of a state economic development office that made strategic business and economic investments. She received her bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Fiscal Specialist, CCCCO
Natalie Wagner is a Community College Fiscal Specialist within the Fiscal Standards and Accountability Unit at the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Her primary areas of responsibility include attendance accounting, conditions for claiming apportionment, student residency classification, and academic calendars. She joined the Chancellor’s Office in 2013 and has worked in various roles over the last 10 years. Natalie started as an analyst assisting the Vice Chancellor in the Annual State Budget Development process before transitioning into Attendance Accounting and Residency as a Specialist. From 2020 to 2022, she worked as the Director of Fiscal Standards and Accountability and transitioned back into the specialist role in 2023.

Dean, Educational Services and Support, CCCCO
Erin Larson has spent 15 years in higher education working for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Currently she serves as a Dean in the Educational Services and Support division. She provides policy guidance and technical assistance in support of Vision 2030 for the 116 community colleges. She coordinates the work of innovative teaching and learning programs, including competency-based education, credit for prior learning, equitable placement, transfer and articulation projects and community college baccalaureate degrees. Erin earned her BA in Psychology from UCLA and her MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from CSU Sacramento.

Specialist, Educational Services and Support, CCCCO
Devin Rodriguez is a Specialist within the Educational Services and Support Division at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. She has worked for the State of California since 2017. Prior to 2017, Devin worked for two California Community Colleges for a total of eighteen years supporting the Student Services Departments, specifically the Admissions and Records Office, Outreach and was a Foster Youth Liaison.

Dean of Academic Affairs, CCCCO
Tonya M. Williams, Ph.D. serves as the Dean of Academic Affairs at the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. Prior to her state service, Dr. Williams served as the Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Cosumnes River College.

Senior Legislative Analyst, CCCCO
Justin C. Salenik currently serves as a Senior Legislative Analyst for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. He joined the Chancellor’s Office in 2009 and has experience in a wide variety of community college issues such as financial aid, nursing, dual enrollment, basic needs, foster youth and veterans . Prior to joining the Chancellor’s Office, Justin held positions at California Department of Education and the California State Archives . He earned a master’s degree in Government from Sacramento State and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Fresno State.

Senior Legislative Advocate, CCCCO
Imran Majid currently serves as a Senior Legislative Advocate for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. He originally joined the Chancellor’s Office in 2019 and has broad expertise in community college issues such as state apportionments, attendance accounting and residency, academic programs, and transfer. Prior to joining the Chancellor’s Office, Imran worked as a Research Analyst for the Little Hoover Commission. He holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Sacramento State and a bachelor’s degree in Government Journalism also from Sacramento State.

Chief Technology Officer, CCC Tech Center
Julia Arreguy is the Chief Technology Officer for the CCC Technology Center, which provides many technologies to the CCC system. Among them are OpenCCC and CCCApply, as well as the spam filter for CCCApply. Prior to joining the Tech Center in 2013, Julia spent 11 years in IT at a college in our system, focused on Student Services and Guided Pathways technologies. Her experience dedicated to supporting the Admissions team at Sierra College gives her a unique perspective on her work.
Lillian JusticeRegistrar, El Camino College
Michelle Smith is the Executive Director of Enrollment Systems & Integrated Support at Bakersfield College overseeing Admissions & Records, the Re-engagement Center, Testing Center, student system integrations, and eligibility for athletics, international, and veteran students. Michelle has been in a higher education leadership role for over 25 years under Student Affairs. She has her master’s degree in organizational leadership from CSU Bakersfield. She is the current President of the California Association of Community College Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACCRAO).
Michelle SmithAssistant Vice Chancellor, CCCCO
Michelle Smith is currently the Assistant Vice Chancellor at the Chancellor's Office. Previously Michelle was the Executive Director of Enrollment Systems & Integrated Support at Bakersfield College overseeing Admissions & Records, the Re-engagement Center, Testing Center, student system integrations, and eligibility for athletics, international, and veteran students. Michelle has been in a higher education leadership role for over 25 years under Student Affairs. She has her master’s degree in organizational leadership from CSU Bakersfield. She is the current President of the California Association of Community College Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACCRAO).
Victor DeVoreDean, Student Services, San Diego Community College District
Victor DeVore is the Dean of Student Services at San Diego Community College District. He has over 14 years of experience in higher education and started his career in higher education as the Supervisor of Admissions and Records at Cuyamaca College. He is a first-generation college student who understands the challenges that many students face when pursuing higher education. Victor earned his Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of California, San Diego, and his Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from National University. As the Dean of Student Services, he supports and coordinates districtwide efforts in a wide range of programs and services, including admissions, counseling, financial aid, student records, and more.
Wil WuAssociate Registrar, City College of San Francisco
Wil Wu is the award winning Associate Registrar at City College of San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience in the field of education, he is dedicated to supporting students through comprehensive student services. His journey began humbly as a student worker at CCSF, where he developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education and the importance of student-centered support. He has remained steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that every student has access to education without barriers. He believes that education is a fundamental right that has the power to transform lives and communities. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, equity, and accessibility, we can break down barriers and create opportunities for all students to thrive. Today, he is still guided by these principles and the paramount importance of being people-oriented. Building genuine connections with students, faculty, and staff is at the heart of effective support services.
Monica BoyesDirector, Admissions and Records, Butte College
Monica Boyes is the CACCRAO Region 1 & 2 Representative and the Director of Admissions & Records at Butte College in Oroville, CA. She's served Butte and its students as A&R Supervisor, Assistant Director and Director for the past 15 years. Before her tenure at Butte, she held various positions at the University of Nevada, Reno, Oregon State University, and Southern Oregon University. Monica is an alum of Sierra College, California State University, Sacramento, and California State University, Chico. She graduated from CSU Chico with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting. Her passion is working in the California Community College system to help students who may not have considered college realize their potential and achieve their dreams.
Rena Martinez StlukaDirector of Admissions and Records, Fullerton College
Rena Martinez Stluka is the Director of Admissions and Records at Fullerton College. She has been with Fullerton College in various roles for 25+ years all in the Admissions and Records Office. Rena is a proud alum of Fullerton College and is dedicated to equity, access, and success of community college students. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Management/Organizational Leadership. She loves CACCRAO and has served on the E-Board as Region 7 & 8 rep and currently as the E-Board Executive Assistant.
Kip NeadDean of Enrollment Services and Financial Aid, Calbright College
Kip Nead has 20 years of experience in the California Community College system in roles ranging across instructional technology, financial aid, and admissions and records. He is currently the Dean of Enrollment Services and Financial Aid at Calbright College, the state’s new online community college. Kip received his bachelor’s degree from The University of London, and his masters from Morehead State University. Kip especially enjoys working in the intersection of technology and people, both for students and staff.
Ashley DunnRegistrar, Los Angeles Valley College
Ashley Dunn is the Registrar at Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC). She believes education is a right. That’s why she’s worked in higher education for more than 20 years. Ashley understands the value of education for students and their families because she was raised by a single mother who went back to school to reenter the workforce after her divorce. Ashley serves as the CACCRAO E-Board Representative for Regions 7 and 8.
April DaleInterim Associate Dean of Outreach, Recruitment & Educational Partnerships and Director of Admissions and Records for San Bernardino Valley College
April Dale is the Interim Associate Dean of Outreach, Recruitment & Educational Partnerships and Director of Admissions and Records for San Bernardino Valley College. She brings almost 25 years of experience in education having served in various roles throughout her career. She has worked in Private higher education for several years, prior to moving to the public sector; working at California State University Long Beach, as a Transfer Admissions Evaluator and California State Polytechnic University Pomona as a Degree Audit Analyst before working at San Bernardino Valley College. She understands the need to be a student center thinker, and the importance of having compassion in your work and maintaining genuine connections with those in which she interacts with. Her goal is to seek improvement for the students and campus community and be an example for those that come behind her.
Veronica FisherEnrollment Management Manager, State Center Community College District
Veronica Fisher is District Enrollment Management Manager for State Center Community College District. She has been with SCCCD for over 17 years serving in various capacities including experience on college campuses and at the district level serving the following roles: Evaluator Specialist, Admissions & Records Specialist, Veterans Administration Certifying Official, International Students PDSO. She also has 10 years of experience in K-12 education as registrar, prior to joining SCCCD. She is a solution focused individual with a comprehensive background in education. Of equal importance she has an exceptional ability to relate well with people from the diverse communities of students and staff she serves. She fosters a love for helping others succeed and achieve their educational goals as well as career goals. She understands the needs and challenges of both the student and staff which helps her to adeptly bridge gaps in services with compassion.
Larry AycockDirector of Admissions & Records, Crafton Hills College
Larry K. Aycock is the Director of Admissions & Records at Crafton Hills College, with over 26 years of dedicated service in the Admissions & Records department. Beginning his journey as a student worker, he has ascended through various roles, culminating in his current position as Director. He is deeply committed to a student-centered approach, focusing on enhancing processes to streamline student experiences, dismantle barriers, and foster an improved campus community. His extensive tenure reflects not only his expertise in the field but also his unwavering commitment to educational excellence and community betterment.
Heather MinehartDean of Enrollment Management and Services, Barstow Community College
Heather Minehart is the Dean of Enrollment Management and Services at Barstow Community College. She started in the Financial Aid Office as a student worker. She left for a few years to pursue her higher education and try her hand at teaching but realized her purpose was helping community college students. She returned in 2004 to the Financial Aid Office and progressively took additional responsibility, until she became the Dean in 2019. As a first-generation college student, she understands how difficult it is to navigate entering college as an adult learner, especially with the additional responsibilities many of our students juggle, such as single parenting. She is passionate about providing excellent customer service that makes navigating the complexities of entering college more accessible to our students.
Steve ErwinAssociate Dean, Admissions, Records, and Veteran Services, College of the Canyons
Steve Erwin came to College of the Canyons as an Admissions & Records Student Services Technician for transcript evaluations. Steve has earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from Washington State University, a Master’s degree in Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Memphis, and a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne.
During his years of service at College of the Canyons, Steve has served as Assistant Director, Director and is currently the Associate Dean of Admissions, Records, and Veteran Services. Steve is a member of the California Association of Community College Registrars and Admissions Officers where he has served on the Executive Board as a Regional Representative, Vice President, President, Past President and now is the Hotel Liaison for contracts and conference preparation.
Steve is an international man of mystery and holds the moniker, Agent Provocateur. From his exploits playing blackjack in Las Vegas, and travel as a musician in the Navy Band, to his fishing trips in Los Cabos, Steve has a way of finding adventure, and even intrigue. Ask Steve how his day is and he may tell you it’s the best day of his life – and it may just be. Interacting with Steve is an experience. Are you up for the challenge?