SJCC president Dr. Marilyn Flores honored by Hispanic Lifestyle

San José City College President Dr. Marilyn Flores was recognized Wednesday in downtown San José at Hispanic Lifestyle’s Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event. The honor spotlights the first Latina president in SJCC’s 100-year history and her role in expanding student opportunity across Silicon Valley. Why it matters: - Dr. Marilyn Flores’ recognition highlights a leadership milestone for San José City College and the broader Silicon Valley higher education community. - Flores is the first Latina president in SJCC’s more than 100-year history. - The honor also underscores the visibility of student success and access efforts at a major community college serving more than 12,000 students a year. What happened: - Hispanic Lifestyle named San José City College President Dr. Marilyn Flores an honoree Wednesday at the Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event in downtown San José. - The event recognized a select group of executives, educators and community leaders shaping the region’s future. - San José–Evergreen Community College District Chancellor Dr. Beatriz S. Chaidez praised Flores’ leadership and said the recognition marked an important milestone for SJCC, Silicon Valley and the higher education community. The details: - Flores was recognized for her leadership as SJCC president, her commitment to student success and her work to expand educational opportunity across Silicon Valley. - Flores joined SJCC in January 2026 after serving as superintendent/president of Rio Hondo College in Whittier. - Flores previously held leadership roles at Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, Las Positas College and Riverside City College. - Flores is a first-generation college graduate and second-language learner. - Flores has spent more than 25 years in the California Community Colleges system. - Flores is a UC Davis Wheelhouse Fellow. - Flores earned a Ph.D. in institutional leadership and policy studies from UC Riverside. - Flores earned a master’s degree in education from UCLA. - Flores earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in education and Spanish from UC Riverside. - Flores said she was honored to work with SJCC students, faculty and classified professionals to support innovation, access, equity and success. - Hispanic Lifestyle previously named Flores a “Latina of Influence” and Educator of the Year at the Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards. Between the lines: - The recognition places SJCC leadership in a broader regional spotlight at a time when community colleges are under pressure to improve access, transfer pathways and career outcomes. - Flores’ background in community college leadership and her first-generation story fit the event’s focus on influence and regional impact. - The honor also builds on prior recognition from Hispanic Lifestyle, suggesting Flores has an established profile in Latino leadership circles. What’s next: - SJCC says Flores will continue working with students, faculty and staff to advance the college’s innovative work and student success goals. - The college will continue offering associate degrees, career education certificates and transfer pathways through its SPOT framework. - More information is available through SJCC’s website .