Top row left to right: Janice Timm, Jacqueline Penhos, Kristen Dennis, Joshua Christ, Cindy Carney, Justin Bell, Wonderful Nancy Allah and Adam Fong Bottom row left to right: David Rentz, Ed Gomez, Kristie Iwamoto and Megan Igo

At the CCA Fall Conference, we were proud to award certificates to our fifth California Leadership Academy (CLA) graduating class:

Janice Timm, Mendocino Part-Time FA
Jacqueline Penhos, Southwestern College EA
Kristen Dennis, Southwestern College EA
Joshua Christ, Mt. San Antonio College FA
Cindy Carney, Calbright FA
Justin Bell, Kern CCD CCA
Wonderful Nancy Allah, South Orange County CCD FA
David Rentz, Chaffey College FA
Megan Igo, Merced College FA
Adam Fong, Merced College FA
Karen Beck, Rio Hondo College FA

CLA trains faculty interested in leadership positions beyond their local chapters to address threats and opportunities facing community colleges. The overall goal of CLA is to focus on the principles and history of unionism as a foundation of leadership. CLA members learn everything from speaking publicly on union issues, running effective meetings, debunking negative stereotypes of unions and networking with various leadership groups in California.

Throughout the academy, these leaders were provided with tools to sharpen their skills—everything from strategic planning to crisis management to advocating for policy change at the state and national levels. But it wasn’t all about classroom learning. Real-world exposure was woven into the experience. Coordinated by Ed Gomez and Kristie Iwamoto and supported by CTA staff Frank Oppedisano, the class had fantastic speakers, such as CTA Board Member DeWayne Sheaffer, NEA Director for California Barbara Jackson, CTA staff and CCA officers, who shared real-life experiences to understand how different campuses were tackling similar challenges in their communities. CLA participants also got to experience CCA Councils and attend CCA Board of Directors meetings.

Over the course of the academy, participants formed bonds, and built a sense of camaraderie, understanding that they were part of something bigger than themselves that has the potential to shape the future of education in California. They became a community of leaders who weren’t just focused on the immediate future of their campuses but on the long-term vision of creating opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“The biggest lesson I learned from CLA was to remember my power as a union representative and leader,” said CLA graduate Jacqueline Penhos. “Oftentimes, we get caught up in the day-to-day activities of our passion for teaching and forget we have the force with us, behind us and beside us! I was reminded of the importance of building strong relationships, advocacy and the power of collective bargaining. Along with one of my favorite things: Paying it forward to new members. Five colleagues from my college are interested in joining CLA after attending our graduation ceremony.”

“I’ve learned how vital it is that individuals within locals understand and engage with the various layers of our regional, statewide, and national unions, and the various entities, governmental and otherwise, with which they work to ensure that the promise of public education is fulfilled. We are much stronger and more effective when we look outward as well as inward,” said CLA graduate David Rentz.

As they left the academy, each participant carried with them the lessons they had learned, the relationships they had forged and the knowledge that they were now part of a larger movement—one that would challenge the status quo, inspire change and build a stronger union and future for California’s community colleges. CLA did more than equip them with the tools they needed to lead—it inspired them to be the change-makers that our community college system needs.

“I hope to inspire change in many ways; The passion shared by Ed Gomez and Kristie was inspiring, and I plan to be a champion for collective bargaining, workers’ rights, parity and foster strong communication and engagement,” Penhos said. “I plan to strengthen professional development and engagement, address equity and social justice, and most importantly share my positive and influential experience in CLA with others while building unity and a positive culture. One of my main goals is to advocate for mental health and well-being, focusing on resources and work-life balance for our members, as well as support programs within our union for those who are struggling, whether through wellness programs, peer support groups or access to mental health services.”

“I hope to empower my colleagues to engage with the broader union communities, and to feel that they can and should be informed about and active in the legislative sphere, whether it is by talking to their representatives, participating in formal lobbying days or even running for office themselves!” said Rentz.

If you’re interested in learning more about the program or have questions, email Kristie Iwamoto at kiwamoto@cca4us.org or visit cca4us.org/academies.