The Administrator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding administrators who champion the educational success of all learners and consistently support the disability services office as a vital program contributing to student success.
With a master's in education specializing in multicultural counseling and a doctorate in post-secondary/community college educational leadership from San Diego State University, Dr. Fitch joined SDCCD in December 2019, driven by a deep passion for the transformative power of education. As part of her role, Dr. Fitch oversees districtwide DSPS functions and tirelessly champions access and equity for students with disabilities.
Notable achievements for Dr. Fitch and her team in 2022-23 include the securing of two significant grants: the Perkins Reserve Innovation Grant and the California Sub Minimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment Project.
The Perkins Reserve Innovation Grant, awarded in Summer 2022, focuses on closing access and performance gaps for students with disabilities in the District's Career Education programs. Through District-wide collaboration, this project aims to increase enrollment, completion, and job placement for students with disabilities, particularly in sectors where barriers are most prevalent.
The recently announced California Sub Minimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment Project, a three-year, $1.8 million grant, underscores SDCCD's commitment to ending the practice of paying individuals with disabilities less than minimum wage. With a focus on vocational skills training, educational coaching, mentoring, employment services, and post-employment support, the project aims to transition over 100 individuals from subminimum wage settings to competitive integrated employment.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Fitch on the CAPED Administrator of the Year Award. Under her guidance, a culture of inclusivity and accessibility thrives within our community, and for that we are so grateful!