At the April 8th Board of Trustees meeting, Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson proudly recognized five exceptional classified professionals as the 2025 Classified Employees of the Year. These individuals, representing Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, Merritt College, and the District Service Center, were celebrated for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and profound impact on our district and the wider community.
Chancellor Gilkerson emphasized that each honoree was nominated by their respective college or the District Service Center and stood out for their commitment to the district's mission, ethical standards, and support for equitable student outcomes. Their diverse roles showcase the crucial part classified employees play in fostering student success and strengthening our learning environment.
Let's celebrate these remarkable individuals:
Natalia Fedorova – Berkeley City College: Natalia exemplifies excellence by advancing student access, graduation rates, and workforce development through initiatives like MESA and key grants. Her resilience and meticulous approach have been instrumental in the early coordination of the Learning Aligned Employment Program. As a skilled project coordinator, she leads complex initiatives, mentors colleagues, and cultivates a positive work culture.
Shuntel Nathaniel – College of Alameda: Drawing from her own experiences as a former student and single mother, Shuntel is deeply committed to supporting College of Alameda's students, particularly women of color. She fosters community safety, builds strong partnerships, and goes above and beyond her duties to uplift the college. As the founder of the Sister Circle, she provides vital support to African-American female students and has been a passionate advocate for over 20 years, recently celebrating her 25th anniversary as a permanent employee.
Janice Browne – Laney College: As a facilities rental specialist, Janice supports equitable access and student success by ensuring campus spaces are accessible for community groups and student programs. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit, she fosters an inclusive and supportive environment. Her active involvement in planning and volunteering makes her an invaluable asset to both colleagues and students.
Brandi Carter – District Service Center: Though not student-facing, Brandi ensures student-centered services through her work at the District Service Center, prioritizing student privacy and responsiveness to legal and public records requests. Her leadership in upgrading the PeopleSoft contracts process and her guidance within the District Service Center Classified Senate reflect her dedication to the district and the communities we serve. She is lauded as the ultimate team player, thoughtfully supporting her colleagues and contributing to the district's overall success.
Jamila Saleh – Merritt College: Jamila is a dedicated professional who advances student success by guiding students through enrollment, connecting them to resources, and promoting equity through culturally responsive support. As the Vice President/Treasurer of the Merritt Classified Senate and a key member of the Equity and Budget Committees, she demonstrates strong leadership and commitment to shared governance. Her work on express enrollment and her service on the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative partnership resource team further highlight her impact.
Jamila's innovative and inclusive approach has also led to her nomination as the Peralta Community College District's candidate for the 2025 statewide Classified Employee of the Year.
Chancellor Gilkerson, on behalf of herself and the Board of Trustees, expressed deep gratitude for the hard work, leadership, and dedication of all the honorees in serving the diverse student populations within our community. Their collaboration with colleagues, engagement in professional and community activities, and commitment to going above and beyond truly embody the passion, purpose, and possibilities within the Peralta Community College District.
Congratulations to Natalia, Shuntel, Janice, Brandi, and Jamila! Your contributions are deeply valued and make a significant difference in the lives of our students and the strength of our district.