HL | Milestone Series – Honors Dr. Marilyn Flores
Breaking Barriers. Expanding Opportunity. Transforming Lives.
When Dr. Marilyn Flores was appointed President of San José City College, she became the first Latina president in the institution’s more than 100-year history a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to education, leadership, and expanding opportunities for future generations.
For more than twenty-five years, Dr. Flores has dedicated her career to helping students achieve their educational goals while strengthening the institutions that serve them. Her leadership journey reflects a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, student success, and community impact.
Throughout her career, Dr. Flores has been a passionate advocate for educational access, institutional excellence, and student achievement. Her leadership has helped strengthen colleges, expand opportunities for students, and build meaningful connections between higher education and the communities it serves.
Dr. Marilyn Flores will be recognized during our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.
👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J
I can say without hesitation that she has been an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team. Her passion, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence are evident in all that she does and are truly deserving of this recognition.
As President of San José City College, Dr. Flores leads one of Silicon Valley’s most important educational institutions, helping prepare students for careers, continued education, and leadership opportunities in one of the world’s most innovative regions.
Prior to joining San José City College, Dr. Flores served as Superintendent/President of Río Hondo College, where she guided the institution through a period of significant growth and advancement. During her tenure, the college established its first campus police department and secured voter approval of a $442 million bond measure to strengthen educational facilities and resources for future generations of students. She also expanded community partnerships and philanthropic initiatives designed to increase educational opportunity.
Known for her transparent leadership style, strategic vision, and commitment to accountability, Dr. Flores has earned the respect of students, faculty, administrators, and community leaders throughout California’s Community College system. Her influence continues to create pathways for students to achieve their educational and professional aspirations.
Milestone Moments
• President, San José City College
• First Latina President in San José City College’s history
• More than 25 years of leadership within California’s Community College system
• Former Superintendent/President, Río Hondo College
• Former Interim President, Santa Ana College
• Former Vice President of Academic Affairs, Santiago Canyon College
• Served as Chief Instructional Officer and Accreditation Liaison Officer
• Administrative leadership positions at Santiago Canyon College, Las Positas College, and Riverside City College
• First-generation college graduate and second-language learner
• Educator of the Year, Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards
• Recipient, Hispanic Border Leadership Institute Doctoral Fellowship
• Ph.D., Institutional Leadership and Policy Studies, University of California, Riverside
Breaking Barriers Through Education
For more than two decades, Dr. Flores has dedicated her career to helping students access the opportunities that education can provide. Her leadership reflects a belief that higher education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, strengthening families, and creating stronger communities.
Her own journey as a first-generation college graduate and second-language learner gives her a unique perspective on the challenges many students face. Those experiences have helped shape a leadership philosophy grounded in service, opportunity, and student success.
Throughout her career, Dr. Flores has successfully led complex institutions, strengthened academic programs, expanded community partnerships, and championed initiatives designed to improve outcomes for students from all backgrounds. Her work has consistently focused on creating environments where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.
Her leadership has already made a significant impact at San José City College. As Chancellor Beatriz S. Chaidez noted, Dr. Flores’ leadership represents “an important milestone not only for SJCC, but for Silicon Valley and the broader higher education community.”
Today, her influence extends far beyond the campuses she has served. Through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to educational excellence, Dr. Flores continues to help shape the future of higher education throughout California.
Her career stands as a powerful example of how leadership, vision, and service can create opportunities that impact generations.
The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.
The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.