Student Trustee Ahyan Malik Is Transferring to a Fantastic University
At the June 23rd Board of Trustees meeting, Student Trustee Ahyan Malik shared that he had been accepted to several prestigious universities – with full scholarship offers - including Yale University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Ahyan said, “Peralta was amazing because I got into all these amazing universities...I was accepted to MIT, Yale, Berkeley, UCLA, and as of two hours ago, I [found out I] got into Stanford University as well.” He had started a summer program at Stanford, which he’s been really enjoying. He continued, “I thought I made a decision and now I’m going to make another decision.”
Congratulations Ahyan! Wherever you go, they are lucky to have you!
Ivan Saravia (Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Citizen) Selected for 2026 NAHJ Student Project Team
Congratulations to Ivan Saravia, Laney student and co-Editor in Chief of The Peralta Citizen, who was recently named to the National Association of Hispanic Journalists 2026 Student Project Team.
With this honor, he will attend the NAHJ Conference in New Orleans in July, with all expenses paid by NAHJ!
PCCD Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson commented, “I should point out that Ivan seems to be the only community college student among the 12 students selected for the Project Team, demonstrating both the quality of Ivan’s work and the strength of the Laney College journalism program. Congratulations, Ivan!”
Carolina Martinez Appointed to CCCCO Undocumented Student Success Advisory Committee
Congratulations to Carolina Martinez, an alumna and current Student Equity and Achievement Coordinator at Berkeley City College, who has just been appointed to the state chancellor’s Undocumented Student Success Advisory Committee.
Carolina helped create the Undocumented Community Resource Center, which launched in 2018 at Berkeley City College. This is yet another example of Peralta contributing thought leadership on a statewide level. Congratulations Carolina!
Marla Williams-Powell Graduates from FCMAT’s CBO Mentor Program
The FCMAT Community College Chief Business Official (CBO) Mentor Program is a cohort-based professional learning program designed to help address the demand for qualified, well-trained community college CBOs. This year-long program features 12 two-day in-person training sessions held monthly. Dr. Marla Williams-Powell, Peralta’s Associate Vice Chancellor of Finance, recently graduated from the program.
Some feedback from her cohort included, “Marla is the steady presence in our group, patient, thoughtful, and able to navigate challenges with a smile while articulating on behalf of others. She brings a wealth of knowledge with a calm, grounded approach, and I can see her continuing to evolve and provide strong leadership at Peralta or wherever her path leads.” Chancellor Gilkerson commented, “Awesome news!” Congratulations, Marla!
Mark Johnson Retiring After Seven Years at PCCD
At the Board of Trustees meeting on June 23rd, Chancellor Gilkerson took a moment during her Report to the Board to celebrate Mark Johnson and his upcoming retirement on July 1st. She noted, “He helped us navigate difficult moments, celebrate important victories, and never lose sight of why this work matters. Mark, thank you for your friendship, your counsel, your compassion, and your unwavering belief in Peralta and the people who make the district so special. You have left this place better than you found it. And while we will miss you tremendously, we are grateful for the legacy you leave behind and the example you've set for all of us. Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for everything you've done.”
