The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) held a reception on March 11, 2025, to honor 13 faculty members who were approved for tenure later that night by the Board of Trustees. Their tenured status takes effect with the 2025-26 academic year.
The ceremony, as always, was a joyous occasion that acknowledged the faculty's contributions to student success and the overall excellence of the educational programs offered by the Peralta Colleges.
Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson commented, “Think of the tenure process as a crucible, a refining experience. It's a journey of deep introspection, of rigorous peer review, and most importantly, of listening to the voices of our students. It’s a testament to their ability to adapt, to innovate, and to consistently strive for excellence. And from what I heard tonight from our college president, they haven't just met the standards; they’ve raised them. I want to acknowledge the community of support from family, friends, and coworkers but also recognize the college tenure review coordinators and their individual tenure committees. Thank you!”
PCCD Board President Louis Quindlen reflected on the unique challenges faced by this cohort of faculty members. "You were prepared to teach in a world that no longer existed," Quindlen noted, recalling the sudden shift to online learning during the pandemic. "You adapted, you created classrooms, you created Canvas shells, you moved our students forward through a system that you created."
Dr. Tina Vasconcellos, Vice Chancellor of Educational Services, was the host and master of ceremonies. The Tenure recipients were also celebrated by District Academic Senate President Dr. Matthew Goldstein and Peralta Federation of Teachers President Jeff Sanceri.
Each of the Tenure candidates was introduced by their college presidents, including Dr. Denise Richardson from Berkeley City College, President Melanie Dixon from College of Alameda, Dr. Rudy Besikof from Laney College, and Dr. David M. Johnson from Merritt College.
Nima Najafi Kianfar teaches English at Berkeley City College, focusing on essential skills, composition, and critical thinking. They hold a Ph.D. in English and an MFA in Poetry and are committed to equity and culturally responsive teaching, particularly within the Puente Program. Nima is an accomplished poet and scholar with publications in various literary journals and academic research on translation, cultural identity, and Hollywood cinema. They also contribute to community engagement through events and committee work.
Adriana Regalado is a Counselor, Instructor, and Coordinator at Berkeley City College, focusing on HSI and Puente programs. As a community college transfer student, they are deeply committed to equity in education. Dri holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Science in Counseling and a teaching credential, and actively advocates for students through various roles, including leading the Puente Program and supporting undocumented students. Their work centers on social justice, liberation, and empowering BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and undocumented scholars.
Dr. Didem Ekici is an educator, researcher, peacebuilder, and author with 20 years of teaching experience. She has held various roles at College of Alameda and within the Peralta District, focusing on online education and equity. Didem has also contributed to California TESOL, taught at the University of San Francisco, and collaborated with UNESCO. She received the Humanizing Education Award in 2023 and has numerous publications, including a book on peacebuilding and intercultural communication.
Joshua Rose is an Instruction and Reference Librarian at the College of Alameda. As a student-focused librarian, Josh is interested in providing engaging and informative information literacy and research instruction that builds on student knowledge and research interests. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from the University of British Columbia.
LaTonya Carpenter is receiving tenure as a Cosmetology Professor, recognized for her exceptional dedication to students and her field. Her tenure review committee praised her as an excellent educator who consistently goes above and beyond. She actively supports her department by keeping the curriculum current and engaging with the industry through her role on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee at Laney. Her extraordinary impact is evident in the strong support from her students.
Minh Anh Nguyen is being granted tenure in the Counseling Department at Laney College. Students consistently highlight her as a valuable resource and support system. Beyond her direct counseling work, she actively contributes to college governance, departmental committees, and professional development. Her dedication extends to community involvement, as evidenced by her participation in the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Advisory Committee.
Sappho Su is receiving tenure as a Professor in Environmental Control Technology at Laney College. She has led the department for five years, significantly growing enrollment and establishing a strong partnership with Johnson Controls. Her efforts have resulted in scholarships and covered certification exam costs for students. Professor Su also recently earned a Master's degree in Education from San Francisco State University, demonstrating her commitment to both her students and her own professional development.
Professor Javier Valencia has been granted tenure for his exceptional teaching in Welding at Laney College. Students consistently praise him as a credit to his profession and a role model. Beyond his teaching, he has independently pursued welding certifications and actively revised the curriculum. He has also improved the welding labs, demonstrating his commitment to both his students and the program.
Professor Erica Williams is being granted tenure for her work teaching African American Studies in the Ethnic Studies Department. Her review committee recognized her understanding of pedagogy, curriculum, community engagement, and equity promotion. She serves as Department Chair for a second term, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the college. Students praise her passion for teaching and dedication to their success, highlighting her as an exceptional educator.
Professor Judy Wong, who began at Laney in 2004, is receiving tenure after demonstrating exceptional dedication to teaching and distance education. She has served as Distance Education Co-Coordinator since 2020, providing crucial leadership, especially during the shift to online learning. Her work extends to the state level through the California Virtual Campus/Online Education Initiative. She is praised as an exemplary instructor who incorporates feedback into her teaching and is passionate about cultures, travel, food, and dance.
Susan Yee is receiving tenure as the College's Mental Health Specialist at Laney College. Since starting in 2021, she has significantly expanded the mental health team and tripled the number of students receiving services. She has also provided extensive training in Mental Health First Aid and led numerous workshops. Recently, she secured a $200,000 grant to develop a collaborative wellness coaching program with BCC and Laney to help address the national shortage of mental health workers.
Lissette Dominguez, raised by immigrant parents in Southern California, recognized the transformative power of education early on. With a Bachelor's and Master's from San Francisco State University, she began her career in early childhood education in 1998, driven by a passion for advocacy and shaping young learners' futures. She transitioned to higher education, aiming to elevate the perception of early childhood educators as professionals and teacher-researchers. Since earning her full-time faculty position in 2021, Lissette has focused on developing equitable and inclusive courses, continually seeking ways to make education more accessible for her students.
Taslima Rehman (pictured second from the right) joined Merritt College as a Mathematics Instructor in Fall 2021, bringing extensive knowledge and passion to her teaching. In Fall 2023, she became Department Co-Chair, contributing to the department's growth. She has also served on the SLOAC committee since Fall 2022, becoming Division II Coordinator in Fall 2024. Taslima is dedicated to enhancing student learning outcomes and promoting academic excellence.
As the reception came to a conclusion, Dr. Vasconcellos thanked the many people including Sabrina Manrique, Staff Assistant in Educational Services, The Laney College Jazz Trio, Laney Catering, District Service Center custodian staff, and the Marketing, Communication & Public Relations team for all their support in making the Tenure event a success!