As they begin their terms, the student leaders are looking ahead to a year of advocacy, engagement, and a shared commitment to championing student interests across the district.
The SDCCD is governed by a five-member publicly elected Board of Trustees, in partnership with the chancellor, the district’s chief executive officer, who is responsible for implementing policies approved by the Board. Student trustees, on a rotating basis, contribute an advisory vote during board meetings and serve as the voice of students in district decision-making. In addition to their role on the Board, each serves as president of their respective campus student governments, leads collegewide initiatives, and sits on a multitude of student-serving committees.
During their service year, student trustees rotate attendance at board meetings and represent the district’s 90,000 students in statewide and national advocacy efforts. Recent student trustees have participated in annual legislative visits to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., where they’ve engaged with policymakers on higher education issues.
The new student leaders spoke about their personal journeys and their hope for academic reform:
Celina Martinez, a political science major at City College, plans to transfer to a four-year university and later earn a Juris Doctor to pursue a career in immigration or corporate law. Motivated by a strong sense of advocacy and a desire for leadership experience, she ran for Associated Student Government president and student trustee to elevate student voices and support underserved communities.
“I am looking forward to working with the other student trustees and making sure that we all collectively make significant impacts in our colleges. I am also looking forward to making more resolutions for my college and for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges,” she said.
Locally, she hopes to introduce more career and transfer fairs at City College to help with retention rates.
Like Martinez, Jeremiah Palomino is also studying political science with dreams of becoming an immigration lawyer. The Mesa College student’s candidacy for Associated Students president and student trustee was driven by a desire to improve access, inclusion, and campus belonging.
“I am committed to advocating for more inclusive policies, expanding student support services, and creating spaces where students from all backgrounds can thrive. This role isn’t just a title to me, it's a responsibility to elevate the student experience and make real change happen,” he shared.
Ariella O’Garro, an English major at Miramar College, aspires to earn a Ph.D. in creative writing and teach at the college level. Her passion for making an impact led her to student government.
“Student advocacy is something that I have always been passionate about, and seeing the chance to take a position at my college’s Associated Student Government that was dedicated to this notion just lit that fire even more,” she said.
Yahir Melendez, a student at the College of Continuing Education, is working toward a certificate in ESL and plans to continue his education in political science at Mesa College. Focused on building stronger student-community ties, he stepped into the Student Trustee role to amplify diverse student perspectives.
“I am most looking forward to advocating for my peers at a higher level and helping shape policies that truly reflect our needs and goals,” he said.
The official term for the student trustees began June 1, 2025, and will continue through May 31, 2026. They were sworn in at the SDCCD Board of Trustees meeting on June 12.