Sometimes the most meaningful stories begin with a simple conversation and a belief that something greater is possible.
Seven months ago, I had a vision: to bring California’s community college presidents together at Santa Clara University with a shared purpose, to celebrate educational opportunity, strengthen partnerships, inspire leadership and create more pathways for students to achieve their dreams.
This past weekend, that vision became a reality as Santa Clara University welcomed 35 Latino/a California Community College Presidents from across California through the Colegas Latinx CEO Symposium, a gathering focused on leadership, collaboration and expanding opportunities for students.
For me, this moment represented far more than an event. It represented a lifelong commitment to ensuring students, especially those from communities like Gilroy and Morgan Hill, see higher education as a possibility, not a barrier.
As a first-generation college graduate and former community college transfer student, I understand firsthand the power of opportunity. I know what it means when someone believes in you, when a mentor opens a door, and when an institution provides the support needed to reach the next level.
That experience has shaped my entire career in higher education admissions. For decades, my work has focused on helping students discover opportunities they may never have imagined were possible.
A world-class education should not feel out of reach. It should be within reach for every student who has the determination and desire to succeed.
One of the greatest reasons I wanted to bring this symposium to life was to highlight the incredible talent, leadership and potential that exists throughout our communities.
Too often, students from small communities wonder if colleges and universities like Santa Clara University are places where they belong. Events like this help change that narrative.
When educational leaders come together, they create stronger pathways for students. They create partnerships that can lead to increased transfer opportunities, expanded support programs, mentorship and greater awareness of the resources available to students.
The students sitting today in our classrooms throughout Gilroy and Morgan Hill are tomorrow’s teachers, engineers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and public servants.
They deserve to know that their dreams are possible.
One of the most meaningful parts of this symposium was showcasing the extraordinary talent that exists right here in our region. Our guests experienced the creativity, culture and stories of our communities through the work of local artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and leaders, including:
• Gustavo Brambila, a pioneering Latino Napa Valley winemaker whose journey represents perseverance, innovation and breaking barriers.
• Nacho Moya, an internationally recognized artist whose work celebrates culture, community and identity.
• David Johnson, a talented South Bay vocalist whose music brought energy and inspiration to the evening.
• Saraí Ch, a poet, writer and cultural advocate whose storytelling highlighted the importance of heritage and resilience.
• Lando Ace, whose music reflects the diverse voices and experiences of our region.
They shared more than their talents. They showed California’s educational leaders that communities like Gilroy and Morgan Hill are filled with creativity, passion and individuals making a difference.
The success of this symposium was made possible because people believed in the importance of bringing educational leaders together around a common mission.
But ultimately, this work has never been about one event. It is about building bridges. Bridges between community colleges and universities. Bridges between students and opportunities. Bridges between dreams and reality.
My hope is that this symposium becomes the beginning of continued collaboration that creates new opportunities for students throughout California, especially those from communities like ours.
If one student from Gilroy or Morgan Hill sees this and believes, “Maybe I can attend a great university. Maybe I can become a leader. Maybe my future is bigger than I imagined,” then this effort was worthwhile.
Seven months ago, this was simply an idea. Today, it represents what can happen when we believe in the power of partnership and when we work together to create opportunities for the next generation.
Education changes lives. I have experienced that transformation personally, and I have dedicated my career to helping others experience it as well.
Together, we can continue creating pathways, inspiring leaders and transforming lives.
Fred M. Tovar, M.Ed.
Former Gilroy City Council Member
