Omar Jimenez, interim program manager for Orientation and Student Support and Classified Senate President at MiraCosta College, says he loves his job serving students and representing Classified Professionals. He admits there was a time in his life when he had no interest in his own education.

Jimenez said he barely graduated from Rancho Buena Vista High School and felt he was done with his education. After a few months working at a pizza outlet, he enlisted in the Marines.

After serving in the Marines from 2010 to 2014, Jimenez decided to resume his education, in large part due to the prodding of his relative, Eva Viveros, who now works as assistant registrar at MiraCosta College.

"I said 'Let me see if I can do this education thing again," he said. "She took me to testing, and she waited while I tested because she knew I would have run."

Jimenez said a key element to his success at MiraCosta College was getting a student worker job with veterans' services by the Admissions and Records Office.

"After the Marine Corps, it's very difficult to find yourself as part of a group that is dedicated to their craft," he said. "When I came to MiraCosta, we were in the same office as Admissions and Records. They would just continuously try to improve their craft. They constantly asked, 'How can we better serve students?' I wanted to be just like them."

Jimenez graduated in 2016 from MiraCosta College on the President's List with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, earning an associate degree to transfer in Sociology and a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in social and behavior sciences.

"I went from someone who probably should been kicked out of school to someone who had a perfect 4.0," Jimenez said.

Jimenez transferred to UC San Diego, graduating with honors with a bachelor's degree in sociology. He later earned a master's degree in conflict management and resolution from the Kroc Peace School at the University of San Diego.

His first permanent position at MiraCosta College was as a student life and leadership specialist. He later was named coordinator of student equity before serving in his current position.

"At MiraCosta College, the culture is that we are trying to be the best at what we do," he said. "We can keep doing better and we will keep doing better."

Esther Nair turned her life around with the bachelor's degree in biomanufacturing that she earned from MiraCosta College.

When she started at MiraCosta College, she was in the process of getting a divorce after 10 years of an abusive marriage. She had little money and didn't know how she would provide for herself and her two children.

Now she has a satisfying career in biotechnology and was able to buy a house. She just got married to a man she met eight years ago in a MiraCosta College ballroom dancing class.

Her success? "It was absolutely because of MiraCosta College," Nair said.

Nair said she was raised in a conservative family and was expected to marry and raise a family. College and a career were out of the question. She followed the script until she realized after a decade of marriage that she needed to leave her husband and find a good-paying job.

"I wanted to develop a career that needed specific education and training," she said – but she couldn't figure out what career to pursue. She met with a MiraCosta College counselor to help decide what path to pursue.

"She asked me about my skills, and I threw up my arms and I was so frustrated," Nair said. "I said, 'I can cook and I can clean.' She said, 'Have you considered science?'"

Nair decided to enroll in the new biomanufacturing bachelor's degree program at MiraCosta."At the time, I had no idea what biotech even meant," she said.

A key to her success was obtaining a stem cell research internship, along with a variety of student jobs on the MiraCosta College campus, including student ambassador, biotechnology and STEM Center tutor, and lab assistant.

"I would drop the kids off at school and be at MiraCosta for the rest of the day," Nair said.

Nair said she received outstanding support from MiraCosta College faculty and staff, especially Joanna Gomez, an instructional associate in biotechnology. Gomez kept students informed about scholarships and grants and checked in with them regularly.

"She does her best to make sure everybody is staying on track with our work and courseload," Nair said.

Nair earned her bachelor's degree in biomanufacturing in 2021. Even before she graduated, she started working at Native Microbials, Inc., a company that provides probiotics to livestock and other animals. She's risen in the ranks and now works as a senior quality assurance specialist.

She said her bachelor's degree from MiraCosta has served her well in her career.

"Employers aren't going to care what college you came from," she said. "They're going to care that you have a degree in their field"

Mark Richards, an attorney with the McCune Law Group, decided he wanted to go to law school while he was a student at MiraCosta College. He is now giving back to MiraCosta College by serving on the board of the college's foundation.

Richards grew up in Oceanside and attended El Camino High School, but said that as a first-generation student, he wasn't familiar with what he needed to do to apply to a university. MiraCosta College was nearby and offered a steppingstone to attending a four-year university.

Richards said he enjoyed his time at MiraCosta College.

"It was fantastic," he said. "All of my professors were extremely knowledgeable and had great academic backgrounds. The resources at Mira Costa were phenomenal, even compared to the state schools I was looking at."

Richards said he had always been interested in social and political issues, and his academic counselor at MiraCosta College encouraged his interest in becoming a lawyer.

He earned his associate degree at MiraCosta College in 2011, then transferred to UC Berkeley and received a bachelor's degree in political science. He graduated from Hastings College of Law in 2017 and passed the California Bar. His law firm specializes in representing plaintiffs in complex lawsuits.

Richards, who now lives in Carlsbad, said he would encourage a student seeking a law degree to consider starting their higher education at a community college.

"There is no downside to it," he said. "I was as prepared in comparison to my law school peers. The cost savings were amazing, especially if you are considering going to school for seven years."

He also enjoyed the smaller class sizes that MiraCosta College offers compared to a lecture hall at a university.

"The smaller learning environments where you are constantly interfacing with your professors is very comparable to the law school model," he said.

Richards said he hopes the success he has had in his career will inspire potential MiraCosta College students and donors. As a member of the foundation board, he hopes to increase access to education for North County's at-risk youth.

"My passion for MiraCosta College centers on expanding educational opportunities for individuals who may have faced challenges in traditional K-12 public education or those who have been away from academia due to personal hardships," he said. "I believe that everyone deserves a chance to pursue learning and achieve academic success, regardless of their past experiences or circumstances."

Karen Pearson is an experienced programs and communications strategist with a successful track record in fund development; as well as corporate, investor, and community relations. She specializes in economic and business development, most recently serving as Director of Business Relations for the San Diego North Economic Development Council. Throughout her career, Karen has built coalitions and partnerships across private and public sectors to help grow the regional economy in San Diego. Prior to her role at the San Diego North Economic Development Council, Karen worked as the Director of Community Relations for the Mitchell Thorp Foundation.

Karen became involved with MiraCosta College through her early work with the San Diego North Economic Development Council. As MiraCosta was expanding its economic footprint in the region, Karen worked with administrators and staff on campus to grow the career pathways for graduates entering the local workforce. Today, she leverages her relationships in the community to encourage local corporations and business leaders to partner with MiraCosta so that more students have opportunities to gain real-life experience and internships before graduating.

Volunteerism has always been at the heart of Karen's work. In addition to her work with the MiraCosta College Foundation, Karen regularly spends her time mentoring local youth and volunteering on the boards of True Care (formerly North County Health Services) and the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation, an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation. As a result of her dedication to the community, Karen was awarded the Volunteer of the Award in both 2011 and 2013 from the North County Philanthropy Council.

Alketa Wojcik first came to MiraCosta College as an international student. Now, more than twenty-two years after leaving Albania, Alketa is the Vice President of Student Services, where she works closely with students, staff and faculty on programs that enhance thousands of lives each year.

"Growing up in Albania, I never thought I would be able to go to college," explains Alketa.

That changed when Alketa's aunt hosted an American who came to Albania to train school principals. He was so impressed with how Alketa was teaching herself to speak English that he suggested she study in the United States. One day after graduating from high school, Alketa was on a plane to San Diego.

When she came to MiraCosta, Alketa strengthened her English skills by taking English as a Second Language and reading classes. Soon, she became a student ambassador and began expanding her field of study.

"It took me a while to realize I could take whatever classes I wanted! In Albania, if the government said you took math, then you took math. One day I realized, 'Hey, it doesn't work that way here! I can choose whatever I want.'"

After that Alketa kept herself busy with a variety of classes, maintaining a high GPA and continuing her involvement with student leadership. Once she graduated from MiraCosta, she transferred to Cal State San Marcos where she earned a bachelor's degree in business and a minor in Spanish. Later, she earned a master's degree in leadership in postsecondary education from San Diego State University, and a doctorate degree from University of California, San Diego.

In 1999, Alketa returned to MiraCosta when she was hired as the student services coordinator.

"It was like coming home," she says.

After serving for four years as associate dean of Student Services at San Elijo Campus, in 2009, went on to serve as the dean of Behavioral Sciences, History and Community Education and the Site Administrator for the Community Learning Center, where she worked tirelessly to ensure that MiraCosta students have the best possible college experience.

"I love everything about MiraCosta. I love all the possibilities it has given me, including the possibility of building a life here in the United States. I am now so grateful that I am now able to work with the students and give back to them all the things that I love about MiraCosta."

For Tom and Paula Wilson, who were named MiraCosta College's Philanthropists of the Year, supporting foster youth students at the college is part of a valued family tradition of giving back to others.

Tom's father, Bob, who grew up in Escondido, began supporting MiraCosta College years ago. Tom Wilson said his parents had grown up poor and they were grateful to have found success with Duckett-Wilson Development Company, a Los Angeles-based developer where Robert was a partner and Tom Wilson serves as president.

When Bob Wilson died two years ago, Tom Wilson said he and his four brothers and their wives decided that the Wilson Family Foundation should continue its support of MiraCosta College. Tom's mother, Marion, died eight years ago.

"We're continuing their legacy in multiple areas as well as starting our own," Tom Wilson said.

Paula Wilson said she visited the program for foster youth known as RAFFY (Resources & Assistance for Former Foster Youth). She saw that the program provides counseling and support, and offers transportation and food assistance for former foster youth who need it.

"It gives them a place at the college to further their education," Paula Wilson said. "Whenever they're feeling like they've fallen, there's always someone to pick them up and keep them on the path to a better education."

Paula Wilson said the family supports MiraCosta College and other education programs because they recognize the importance of education.

"Education is power," she said. "You can become much more self-sufficient if you know the variables involved. You can be engaged in your destiny."

The Wilson Family Foundation is overseen by Tom and Paula Wilson, along with his brothers and their wives: Dennis and his wife, MaryAnn; Greg and his wife, Nancy: David and his wife, Bridgid; and Ric and his wife, Tandy.

Among many other charities, the foundation also supports the Teachers Institute, a program that sends elementary school teachers around the country to Colonial Williamsburg for a weeklong session on how to better teach history. Robert Wilson began his support following a visit to Colonial Williamsburg during a family vacation. Tom Wilson said 100 teachers from California now participate.

Tom Wilson said his father was grateful to be successful and always emphasized helping others who were less fortunate.

"We were taught to give back," he said. "We know how privileged we are to be where we are and it's important to pass it on to other people."

Rick Cassar was elected to the Board of Trustees of the MiraCosta Community College District in November 2014. He resides in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, representing Area 2. Rick and his wife, Kristine, are the proud parents of three children, two of whom attended California community colleges.

Rick grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and earned his bachelor of arts degree in psychology and sociology at the University of Michigan, and his master of science in counselor education at San Diego State University. A proud California resident since 1982 and a Cardiff resident since 1995, Rick has worked as a counselor, psychology professor, and department chair at the San Diego Community College District since 1984.

As a first-generation college student and first-generation American, Rick understands not only the importance of education, but the challenges students face as they attempt to negotiate their way through the college and university system. Throughout his 30-plus-year career as an educator, Rick has been committed to changing lives through community college education.

Rick Cassar is honored to have the opportunity to serve on the MiraCosta Community College District Board of Trustees and pledges his best efforts to carry on its longstanding tradition for excellence.

Shannon Stubblefield, an experienced leader in fundraising and developing community partnerships, has been named as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at MiraCosta College.

Stubblefield begins her post at MiraCosta College on June 1 after 10 years as chief philanthropy officer for North County Lifeline. Stubblefield led the community engagement department for the nonprofit organization that works with families in North County who are dealing with challenges, such as poverty or mental health issues.

"We are excited to have Shannon as part of the MiraCosta team," said MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Sunita V. Cooke. "Her knowledge and experience will serve generations of students well into the future as we seek to strengthen our partnerships with the community and continue to build support for our students and our college."

In her new role, Stubblefield will oversee the college's foundation, institutional advancement efforts, and marketing department.

Stubblefield, a native of Southern California, earned her bachelor's degree in business management from San Diego State University. She began working in 2001 with a job at the nonprofit Infoline, now known as 2-1-1 San Diego. That job sparked an interest in fundraising and philanthropy, leading her to earn a master's degree at the University of San Diego's Nonprofit Management and Leadership program.

"I love the joy of working in a job that is really giving back and making a difference every day," she said. "Being in the field of philanthropy surrounds me with people who have a shared vision and motivation to help others and really make a difference in people's lives."

Stubblefield worked for six years in Chicago, at the McCormick Tribune Foundation and at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, before returning to San Diego County. She is the past board president for North County Philanthropy Council and has previously taught fundraising as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego and North Park University.

Stubblefield said that she is passionate about equity and the opportunities that education offers and is looking forward to helping those who are trying to improve their lives through education. "MiraCosta has a phenomenal reputation in our community," stated Stubblefield. "I know how many students come to MiraCosta for access to education. We can support those students by raising money for scholarships and by partnering with community members who want to support students."

Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke began her tenure as the superintendent/president of MiraCosta Community College District in 2015 and has been a recognized CA community college CEO for over 17 years. She started as a Biology/Biotechnology faculty member and has been an educator for over 30 years after receiving her Ph.D. in Biology from Georgetown University.

Under her leadership, MiraCosta College has implemented new degrees and certificates including a unique biomanufacturing bachelor’s degree. Graduation and transfer rates have significantly improved as the college has focused on eliminating equity gaps for those from historically marginalized populations. This work has led to national recognition as an Achieving the Dream Leader College and Aspen Prize for Excellence semi-finalist. In addition, MiraCosta is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and is listed in the Top 100 Associate Degree Granting Colleges by Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine’s December 2021 issue.  The college embarked on a significant facilities building effort, thanks to a 2016 facilities bond passed by the community (Measure MM).

In 2016, Dr. Cooke was recognized as San Diego Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business and the NAACP Salute to Women of Color. In 2019-2021, Dr. Cooke was annually named in the San Diego Top 500 list and in 2020 was recognized as the CEO Awardee for the Pacific region by the American Association of Community College Trustees. In 2022, she was recognized in the top 50 Women of Influence by San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Cooke has worked at local and state levels in economic and workforce development in Texas and California. In 2015, she chaired the Statewide Task Force on Workforce and a Strong Economy, ensuring that California State and the community college system remain vital leaders in this work. The work has resulted in an ongoing annual investment of over $260 million to enhance CA community college career education. She serves as a co-chair of the Strong Workforce Regional Oversight Committee, overseeing planning efforts to meet the regional workforce needs over the past four years.

Dr. Cooke is an active member of the greater San Diego community and national boards, including the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, where she co-chairs its Inclusive Economic Development Steering Committee, Biocom, and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. She is chair of the board of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and an officer of the California Community Colleges Baccalaureate Association (CCCBA).