Shared Leadership and Community Engagement
SOCCCD’s governance model embraces a participatory process that values input from students, faculty, staff, and community members. Through inclusive dialogue and transparent decision-making, the district fosters shared responsibility in shaping its future. This approach ensures that strategic planning reflects the diverse voices and needs of those it serves.
Voices from the District
![- “I feel empowered to grow” (student) - “I chose this college so that I can become the first woman to earn a degree in my family” (student) - “I wasn’t ready to go straight to a 4-year, but I still wanted to be in school” (student) - “As a former student, [I chose this college] to give back to the college that helped my growth” (employee/faculty) - “[I chose this college] to help other first-generation students succeed” (employee/faculty) - “I’m here to help](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_natural/public/media/images/2025-05/quotes2.png?itok=wawekBTO)
Planning Process
Participatory Approach
The planning process started with the Chancellor convening a cross-constituent Planning Commission to guide the work and development of Inspire 2035.
Stakeholders from across the district—including Saddleback and Irvine Valley Colleges—were identified and engaged to ensure inclusive participation and representation. Interactive workshops and activities were intentionally designed to center diverse voices from both internal and external communities.
In addition to the Chancellor’s Planning Commission (CPC), three Campus Planning Teams were established to review campus level planning information and to develop the facilities recommendations for each of the three campuses: Irvine Valley College, Saddleback College and ATEP.
The Commission’s contributions have helped lay a thoughtful and inclusive foundation for strategic decision-making that will impact the District for years to come.
Chancellor’s Planning Commission (CPC)
The CPC serves as a strategic advisory body that supports the long-term planning efforts of the SOCCCD. Its primary role is to provide thoughtful recommendations that shape the development of district-wide plans, ensuring alignment with the District’s overarching vision, mission, and core values.
CPC committed to a collaborative and inclusive process, the Commission actively seeks and incorporates feedback from a broad range of stakeholders including managers, faculty, classified professionals, students, and community members to ensure that planning reflects the diverse perspectives and needs of the entire SOCCCD community.
Throughout the process, the Commission engaged in a series of facilitated workshops, working collaboratively to analyze trends, assess priorities, and imagine future possibilities.
CPC Members
Chair (1): Chancellor Julianna M. Asperin Barnes
Co-chair (1): Denice Inciong, District Director, Research, Planning and Data Management
College Presidents (2)
Dr. John Hernandez, Irvine Valley College President
Dr. Elliot Stern, Saddleback College President
Vice Chancellor, Business Services (1)
Ann-Marie Gabel, CPA
Vice Chancellor, Human Resources and Employer/Employee Relations (1)
Dr. Cindy Vyskocil
Vice Chancellor, Technology & Learning Services (1)
Dr. Christopher McDonald
Vice Presidents for Instruction, one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Rick Miranda
- Saddleback College: Tram Vo-Kumamoto
Vice Presidents for Student Services, one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Dr. Martha McDonald
- Saddleback College: Dr. Jennifer LaBounty
Vice Presidents for College Administrative Services, one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Davit Khachatryan
- Saddleback College: Rodrigo Garcia
Directors, Research, Planning, and Accreditation, one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Loris Fagioli, Ph.D.
- Saddleback College: Shouka Torabi, M.A.
Directors of College Equity, Inclusion and Access, one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Erin Pollard
- Saddleback College: Dr. Susana Castellanos
Deans, one from each college, and one classified manager from District Services (3)
- Irvine Valley College: Traci Fahimi, Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Business Sciences
- Saddleback College: Karima Feldhus, Executive Dean of Extended Learning
- District Services: Medhanie Ephrem, Executive Director of Facilities Planning
Deans of Economic/Workforce Development, one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Debbie Vanschoelandt, Dean of Career and Continuing Education, IDEA, and Extended Education Administration
- Saddleback College: John Jaramillo, Dean of Economic and Workforce Advancement and School of Business and Industry
Academic Senate Presidents, one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Rebecca Beck, English as a Second Language Instructor
- Saddleback College: Dan Walsh, Geography/GIS Instructor
Faculty representatives, two from each college as appointed by Academic Senates (4)
- Irvine Valley College: Cheryl Bailey, Librarian
- Irvine Valley College: Rebecca Kaminsky, English Instructor
- Saddleback College: Claire Cesareo, Anthropology Instructor
- Saddleback College: Morgan Barrows, Anthropology Instructor
Classified Senate representatives, one from each college and District Services (3)
- Irvine Valley College: Abner Caguioa, New Media and Marketing Specialist
- Saddleback College: Erlynne Ballo, Program Student Support Specialist
- District Services: Nicole Ortega, Research and Planning Analyst
Representatives for Emerging Technologies (e.g. AI, Immersive Learning), one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Brent Warner, English as a Second Language Instructor
- Saddleback College: Kim d'Arcy, Dean of Instructional Support and Teaching Innovations
Student representatives, one from each college (2)
- Irvine Valley College: Danielle Zee, Student
- Saddleback College: Farbod Azizmalayeri, Saddleback Student
Resource Members (9)
- District Services: Letitia Clark, Chief Communications Officer
- Irvine Valley College: Diane Oaks, Executive Director of Marketing and Creative Services
- Irvine Valley College: Nicholas Wilkening, Director of Technology Services
- Irvine Valley College: Sohrab Sadjadi, Student
- Irvine Valley College: Sandy Jeffries, Office of the President
- Saddleback College: Jennie McCue, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
- Saddleback College: Thurman Brown, Director of Technology Services and Broadcast Systems
- Saddleback College: Milad Daravan, Student
- Saddleback College: Trish Fain, Office of the President
Amplifying Voices
[We want] sustainable outcomes and engagement—more space for students to engage with sustainable practices.
Campus Visioning
At the start of the planning process, the Saddleback College community was invited to participate in a Campus Visioning Session. Students, faculty, management team members, and professional staff engaged with the planning team through a series of interactive boards and conversations. Information was collected, analyzed, and used to inform facilities planning processes.
[We'd like to see more] professional/career development (public speaking, etiquette, internships, etc.)
Online Surveys
Between October 12 and November 15, 2024, SOCCCD conducted a comprehensive district-wide survey. The purpose of the survey was to gather meaningful insights into the experiences, expectations, and overall effectiveness of campus operations from the perspective of its diverse community members. A Community Online Survey was also launched in Spring 2025 to broaden outreach.
Irvine Valley College Online Survey Highlights
As an employer I have worked with both Career Centers at IVC and Saddleback. I have found both to be very helpful with my needs to find applicants and to accommodate my coming on campus for information sessions and to partner with the schools.
Student Listening Sessions
To center student voices in the planning process, six listening sessions were held between February and April 2025 with 57 students from across the district. Their diverse insights helped shape both the strategic and facilities priorities and goals grounded in real experiences.
Students spoke candidly about what supports their success and where barriers exist—from limited access to resources and spaces, to the need for flexible classes, multiple learning environments, and clearer communication.
Key themes such as student life, sustainability, economic mobility, and support services informed the plan’s direction, ensuring student input drives a more inclusive and student-centered future.
Combined Associated Student Government (ASG) Session Highlights
