Courtesy photo.
Fidelia Flores, Oxnard College, to be considered for statewide award
CAMARILLO — The Community Colleges of Ventura County are delighted to honor and celebrate the exceptional work of Fidelia Flores, Financial Aid Specialist at Oxnard College, as the 2024 Classified Employee of the Year. The annual award is a tribute to classified professionals who demonstrate professional ethics and standards and serve the community with purpose and passion.
“Fidelia Flores exemplifies the spirit of community and commitment that we cherish at the Community Colleges of Ventura County,” said Board Chair Bernardo M. Perez. “As we honor her as our Classified Employee of the Year, we are also proud to support her for the statewide award, reflecting her profound impact on our community and beyond.”
The District awards the Classified Employee of the Year distinction in accordance with the California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors, which will consider Flores for the CCC statewide award. At the May 2024 Board of Governors meeting, up to five recipients will be named California Community Colleges Classified Employee of the Year. Winners receive a $750 cash award and a plaque.
“Every day, our classified employees go above and beyond to support our mission of providing high-quality education and services, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions to our campuses and their service to our students,” said Chancellor Rick MacLennan.
“It’s an honor to be able to work at Oxnard College, where I started my higher education career before transferring to university,” said Flores. “I’m very thankful to be able to give back to my community.”
Additional Classified Employee of the Year nominees included Brian Derderian, District Administrative Center; Kristen Robinson, Moorpark College; and Erika Hurtado, Ventura College.
About the Honorees
Flores’s dedication and commitment to Vision 2030 goals are evident in her daily interactions with students, where she goes above and beyond to assist them with their financial aid needs. She takes the time to understand each student’s unique circumstances, ensuring they receive the support they require.
Flores’s impact extends beyond the campus. She played a crucial role in securing the Catalyst grant, establishing the OC Dream Resource Center, which underscores her dedication to creating opportunities for students. Flores’s involvement in various college, professional, and community activities demonstrates her commitment to inclusivity and advocacy. As the OC Foster Youth Liaison and State Chancellors Office Foster Youth Liaison Region 6 Representative, she has made significant contributions to the broader community.
Additionally, Flores’s commitment to community service is exemplary. Annually, she joins her siblings in donating backpacks and school supplies to first graders at McKenna Elementary School, showcasing her generosity and compassion.
Flores is more than just an employee; she is a financial aid superhero and a true inspiration to us all. Her unwavering dedication to supporting our students and institution is commendable.
Derderian continually goes above and beyond the “call to duty.” The many kudos and thanks from the campus community he has received this year are a testament to his commitment. Derderian always has a smile on his face and friendly attitude each day and would go above and beyond to get the job done to keep everyone involved happy. In his nomination, Derderian was commended for his involvement in CISOA (Chief Information Systems Officers Association of the California Community Colleges) and how he uses that platform to build relationships with other California community colleges and keep informed of state level initiatives from the CCCCO (California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office). Derderian would rather be working than staying home or taking a vacation. In addition, Derderian continuously celebrates everyone for their contributions and enables others to stand on their own pedestal of success.
Robinson is described as a jewel and exemplifies the student first mentality. Her performance and professionalism are of the highest caliber, and she is often asked to join committees or focus groups that push her to go above and beyond even our hardest working employees. She demonstrates a “service mind” by agreeing to help the student and the campus wherever needed by attending and supporting students in performing arts, athletics, and club activities. She has recently been tasked with a role in support of Civic Events and Voter Engagement, to promote the college to the community at large. This role will allow Robinson to help the college shine as brightly as she does. Robinson is an extraordinary employee who relates to our students by listening and being a person of action. We need more people like her in every educational institution.
Hurtado serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for the community as she provides a foundation of growth for everyone who enters the Tutoring Center. She demonstrates exceptional leadership skills with her large team of tutors and student workers. She helps bridge the gap between student-faculty interaction by collaborating with department chairs to have embedded tutors in their classrooms. She promotes a safe space for VC’s diverse students, staff, and faculty population by implementing appropriate practices and maintaining the college’s mission, vision, and guiding principles. Hurtado is committed to serving as a leader by participating in various committees on campus that benefit the growth of the campus community. Additionally, she continues to dedicate her time towards creating more accessible resources for all students by actively listening to their concerns and creating plans to make change.
Ventura County Community College District
The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 116-campus California Community College system and serves approximately 30,000 students annually. The District’s three colleges–Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura–offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, please visit vcccd.edu.