On May 16, 2016, California Community Colleges Board of Governors honored Jocelyn Vila, Program Services Coordinator in the Financial Aid Department at Skyline College with the 2016 Classified Employee of the Year Award. This award honors a classified employee who demonstrates the highest level of commitment to professional ethics and standards and serves the institution through participation in professional and/or community activities.
Jocelyn’s primary focus during her seven years of service at Skyline College has been to implement strategies to improve, expand, and ensure access to higher education for low-income and educationally disadvantaged students—particularly foster youth students—and also other student populations such as AB540/undocumented students, probation/juvenile justice youth, veteran students, students with disabilities, and homeless youth.
Because her passion is rooted in helping others overcome challenges and adversity, she has successfully developed a strong foundation and rapport with individuals representing a myriad agencies and postsecondary educational institutions.
She is a member of the EdSupport Working Group for Foster Youth Students in San Mateo County, the San Francisco Foster Youth Higher Education Subcommittee, and the Northern California Foster Youth Higher Education Consortium. She also works closely with San Mateo County’s and San Francisco County’s Human Services Agencies (HSA), Independent Living Skills Programs (ILSP), Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THR-Plus) Providers, and Juvenile Justice/Probation Departments. She was also appointed as the Region 3 Representative for the Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) in 2014, keeping abreast of legislation as well as having assisted with the passing of Senate Bill 1023.
Jocelyn has been a great role model to the students and her colleagues. She is a constant anchor, always encouraging students and colleagues to believe in themselves and to continue pursuing their ambitions and dreams. As an educator and mentor of many skill sets, Jocelyn is the most deserving individual to receive the Community College Classified Employee of the Year.
Article by Regina Morrison | Photo by Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud
