Previously, you elected me to represent Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD), District 3. You placed in office, a dedicated person who truly believes that higher education is a proven path to a successful life.  I am a mother, a veteran, former College Trustee, teacher, former Councilmember, and current President of a non-profit organization.

My military service in the US Army prepared me to pursue college coursework to align my professional goals in public service to benefit our community.  I served as your Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee, SAUSD teacher, and Santa Ana City Councilmember.

The college district’s increase in student enrollment, expansion of its Bachelor’s programs, and vastly improving safety on both campuses are evidence of my proven leadership in guiding Santa Ana Community College (SAC) and Santiago Canyon Community College (SCC) to being among the top ten in the nation. The district’s Sheriff, Firefighter, and Nursing Academies increased in popularity while under my direction. 

I advocate for affordable and high-quality college education to equip students to compete for high-wage jobs.  I have delivered positive results to educate our students for successful careers and have celebrated significant accomplishments such as SAC’s Bachelor's Degree program and SCC’s Veterans/Apprenticeship Programs. All the new buildings and recent renovations at each campus have occurred due to my past leadership on the board. I will do much more!

My goals are to inspire high school graduates to pursue college degrees, increase the transfer rate to four-year universities, focus resources on classroom instruction, press state legislators to fully fund community colleges, fight to preserve job training programs, and continue providing English language and citizenship classes.

I aim to inspire our K-12 and adult students to pursue college and career education, providing the tools for them to achieve professions that offer living wages and optimal working conditions. I support the expansion of job training programs, investment of resources for college classroom instruction, and ensure the continuation of English language and citizenship classes at Centennial Education Center.

My experience and successful results in educating our youth are strong indicators of my passionate commitment to open doors for more educational opportunities. Your vote for Nelida Mendoza for RSCCD Trustee Area 3 is a vote for proven leadership in education. 

Sincerely,

Nelida Mendoza

Candidate, Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee Area 3