Edlyn Vallejo Pena. Photo by BB Rivas / El Concilio Family Services
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Services 2014 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Saturday, May 31 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Click here to register or to become a sponsor or call 805-486-9777 for more information.
Amigos805 staff reports
Edlyn Vallejo Peña was born and raised in Simi Valley where her parents settled after leaving Cuba in the early 1960s.
Peña, who’s child was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, managed to turn this personal challenge into a successful effort to examine the role colleges and universities play in supporting students with autism. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz and her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California. She has conducted research and written articles, attended conferences and discussed the needs and interest of autistic students on American campuses.
Peña first began serving Latino and students from other backgrounds as a multicultural programs coordinator at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, an emerging “Hispanic Serving Institution.” She has worked with four-year and community college leaders to use data on student outcomes to make institutional decisions that would support the success of these students. She teaches and advises students in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program.
“Edlyn Vallejo Peña is a dedicated researcher who has contributed a breath of knowledge to our community,” a fellow university educator stated in her nomination letter. “She is a pioneer in her field opening the pathway to higher education for students from underserved backgrounds … (She) demonstrates highly admired professional, research and teaching skills which are highly valued in today’s higher education … She displays a passion for helping others and making a positive difference in the lives of all students with particular emphasis on ensuring equitable educational experiences for all students.”
For more information on El Concilio’s programs and services or reservations for the awards gala, visit www.elconciliofs.org or call 805-486-9777.