Advancing Student Success: Transfer, Completion, & Career Pathway (Presented in Partnership with California State University)

Dr. Zandra Jo Galván is a bilingual superintendent with over 30 years of service in California public education as an educator, leader, and innovator. A Central Coast native, she earned an A.A. from Hartnell College, a B.A. and teaching credential from CSU Fresno, master’s degrees from CSU Monterey Bay and San José State University, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California. Dr. Galván has led transformative work across California—particularly on the Central Coast— bringing expertise in governance, systems leadership, community engagement, and positive culture. Her career spans teaching, coaching, administration, and nearly a decade as superintendent. She currently serves as Superintendent of Salinas Union High School District and previously led Greenfield Union School District. Nationally recognized for her leadership and mentorship, Dr. Galván advises AASA and ALAS superintendent academies and collaborates with organizations such as Digital Promise and Future Ready Schools. She remains deeply committed to equity, innovation, and elevating student voices.

Dr. Jennifer Capps serves as President of Cabrillo College. A licensed professional counselor, she began her career working with youth in counseling, specializing in juvenile rehabilitation and crisis response. Dr. Capps previously served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Cal Poly Humboldt, where she helped lead its transition to California’s third polytechnic university and supported a $458 million state investment to expand workforcealigned programs and student success. She also served as Dean at Metropolitan State University of Denver, advancing public-private partnerships and community engagement. She holds a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, along with degrees from George Mason University and the University of Colorado Denver.Dr. Capps is deeply committed to expanding access to education and believes that access and diversity are essential to achieving excellence.

Vanya Quiñones, Ph.D., is the fourth president of California State University, Monterey Bay, where she is leading a bold vision centered on student success, equity, and community impact. Since beginning her tenure in August 2022, she has focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening pathways to graduation and careers, and positioning CSUMB as a model for inclusive public higher education. A distinguished neurobiologist and researcher with more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Quiñones brings over 30 years of experience across scientific research, academic leadership, and student success. Born in Puerto Rico, she has dedicated her career to expanding access and advancing equity in higher education. Previously, she served as provost at Pace University and held senior leadership roles at CUNY, securing over $25 million to support underrepresented students. Dr. Quiñones leads with a deep commitment to opportunity, innovation, and the belief that education transforms lives. In March of 2026, Dr. Quiñones was appointed by the CSU Board of Trustees to be the president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She will assume the university presidency on July 1, 2026, becoming the eighth president of Cal Poly Pomona and the first Latina to lead the institution.

Undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles.