The Peralta Community College District isn't just a hub of academic excellence; it's a breeding ground for influential leaders who are shaping the landscape of higher education across California. From administrators to faculty and classified professionals, Peralta's dedicated individuals are making significant contributions to statewide organizations and initiatives.

Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson stands at the forefront, currently serving as the President of the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA). Her enthusiastic report to the Board of Trustees about the recent ACCCA annual meeting was an inspiration for this article. Her commitment to student success is further demonstrated by her role as the chair of the CEO Affordability, Food & Housing Access Taskforce within the Community College League of California, tackling critical issues facing students like basic needs (Students – please take the 2025 Real College California basic needs survey here).

Our Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, Greg Nelson, brings invaluable perspective to the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee of the Foundation for California Community Colleges, ensuring inclusivity and support for diverse student populations.

The impact of Peralta's leadership extends to various professional associations and statewide organizations:

• Merritt College Director of Campus Life and Student Activities Doris Hankins champions student engagement as a board member of the California Community College Student Affairs Association (CCCSAA).
• Facilities Project Coordinator Jamille Teer and Executive Assistant Hope Lane are pivotal figures in the California Community Colleges Classified Senate (C4S). Jamille serves on the board, while Hope directs professional development, empowering classified professionals across the state.
• The academic rigor of Peralta is reflected in the contributions of Dr. Matthew Goldstein, Dr. Iolani Sodhy-Gereben, Dr. Tuan Nguyen, and Dr. Francis Howard, who serve on various committees of the Academic Senate for the California Community Colleges (ASCCC). Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Sodhy-Gereben serve on the Curriculum Committee, Dr. Nguyen serves on the Data and Research Committee, and Dr. Howard serves on the Part-Time Faculty Committee.
• Professor Eleni Gastis is making waves in journalism education as Co-President of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC).
• Dr. Stacey Shears is poised to lead as President-elect on the board of the Chief Student Services Officer Association (CSSOA), advancing student support services across the state.
• Executive Director of Marketing, Communication & Public Relations Mark Johnson has served on the board of the Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) for the past three years and will be stepping down in mid-April.