Please join us in welcoming Dr. Amy Lee (she/her), who was recently selected to be Dean of Enrollment Services for Berkeley City College. Dr. Lee has 20 years of experience working in educational institutions including K-12, higher education, and non-profit spaces. Dr. Lee joins us from our sister campus at College of Alameda, where she served as Dean of Enrollment Services since 2013. Dr. Lee believes education is transformative; her passion for educational access, equity, and success is grounded by her experience as a first-generation college student from a low-income, immigrant family.

Dr. Lee’s educational accomplishments include earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian American Studies from UC Berkeley, a Masters in Equity and Social Justice in Education from San Francisco State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University.

Dr. Lee previously served as adjunct faculty for SFSU’s Educational Doctorate program and as the board president of the West Contra Costa Public Education Fund. She is a proud mother of two small children who inspire her to enjoy life every day. Dr. Lee’s start date is 7/10/23.

Also please welcome Lilia Celhay (she/her), who joins Berkeley City College as Acting Dean of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. Ms. Celhay has worked in education for over 20 years with roles at University of California, Berkeley, California State University East Bay, and at the four Peralta Colleges.

At Peralta, she has held positions as a classified professional, adjunct faculty, director, dean, and vice president of instruction at three of the Peralta Colleges (Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, and Laney College).

Ms. Celhay has received numerous recognitions along the way, including the BCC’s President Award in 2014 and 2021, who joins Berkeley City College as Acting Dean of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. Ms. Celhay has worked in education for over 20 years with roles at University of California, Berkeley, California State University East Bay, and at the four Peralta Colleges.

At Peralta, she has held positions as a classified professional, adjunct faculty, director, dean, and vice president of instruction at three of the Peralta Colleges (Berkeley City College, College of Alameda and Laney College).

She has received numerous recognitions along the way, including the BCC’s President Award in 2014 and in 2021, the PUENTE Champion Award for her work in supporting the growth and success of CoA’s Puente Program, and commendations for her role as the Accrediting Liaison Officer leading to Laney’s accreditation in 2015.

Ms. Celhay is a proud alumna of Peralta and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in educational technology from Cal State East Bay, two ESOL certificates, and completed coursework towards a doctorate degree in educational leadership. Having benefitted from a community college education, she is passionate about her work, supporting students in their educational journeys. She lives in Alameda and finds joy in volunteering, dancing, traveling, and continually seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge as an educator and a global citizen. Ms. Celhay’s start date is 7/25/23.

Zaira is a first-generation Latina born to immigrant parents from Mexico. She is excited to join the BCC HSI team as a Program Coordinator. Zaira received her BA from UC Davis and MA from SJSU, majoring in Chicana/o/x Studies with an emphasis in education.

Zaira comes from Contra Costa College where she served as a Program Assistant at the Welcome Center, working with new, current, returning, and prospective students as a guide to getting them onboarded! During her time at CCC, Zaira collaborated with various programs and services to ensure students were being supported throughout their academic journey. In an Out of Class Assignment, Zaira worked with the First Year Experience program at Diablo Valley College, connecting first-year students to programs, services, and mentoring opportunities on and off campus. Prior to CCC, Zaira worked within the K-12 system in various capacities ranging from tutoring and mentoring students, to running a reading center as a Program Coordinator with Reading Partners!

Zaira looks forward to collaborating with her new BCC colleagues and is excited to be working on an HSI grant! Their start date is 7/3/23.

This article was included in the July 12, 2023 Berkeley City College President's report. To view the full report, click here.