First Latina college president vows to empower students

In a recent government meeting, Dr. Martha Garcia was introduced as the new president of Mount San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), marking a significant milestone as the first Latina woman of color to hold this position. The announcement was made by Mayor Hepburn, who highlighted Dr. Garcia's impressive background, including her status as a first-generation community college student and her involvement in the Bonita High School dual enrollment program.

Dr. Garcia expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve over 70,000 students at Mt. SAC, noting that 522 of those students hail from La Verne. She emphasized the vital role community colleges play in providing access to higher education, sharing her personal journey as a proud daughter of immigrants who sought better opportunities for their children.

In her address, Dr. Garcia committed to enhancing partnerships with local communities to foster social and economic development. She expressed her dedication to expanding opportunities for students and reaffirmed her belief in the transformative power of education, particularly for those who, like her, rely on community colleges to achieve their academic and career goals.