About the Foundation
The SJECCD Foundation exists to expand opportunity, remove barriers, and support student success at Evergreen Valley College and San José City College. We work in partnership with donors, alumni, employees, businesses, and community leaders to provide scholarships, emergency assistance, program support, and strategic investments that strengthen teaching and learning.
Our mission is rooted in equity, access, and impact. We believe every student deserves the chance to succeed — regardless of financial circumstance — and philanthropy plays a powerful role in making that possible.
We are committed to trust, transparency, and partnership. Together, we can build brighter futures for our students — and a stronger, more resilient community.
On this page, you’ll find:
- Mission and Purpose of Foundation
- Foundation Team – the professionals who support our work
- Foundation Board of Directors – volunteer leaders guiding our vision
- Board Docs – Agendas & Meeting Minutes
- Audit Reports – Audit Reports & Financial Statements
- Contact Us – we’d love to connect with you.
- News and Updates – stories and announcements
Our Mission and Purpose
Mission
To cultivate and steward resources to ensure and enhance the opportunity for higher education in the community of the San José-Evergreen Community College District.
Vision
To be a leader in supporting student access and success through a sustainable model of partnerships, community, and philanthropy.
Foundation Team
Abdul Idris
Senior Accounting Technician
Finance, budgeting, gift processing, check requests, account reconciliations, employee payroll deductions
Yeab Granados-Kebede
Program Coordinator
Scholarship/program account establishment, CRM/database management, in-kind donations, events, donation/ticketing platform set-up, foundation toolbox
Foundation Board of Directors
Josh Selo, Foundation Chair
CEO, Bill Wilson Center
A nonprofit executive and Certified Fundraising Executive with over 25 years of leadership experience addressing housing insecurity, homelessness, and poverty. Currently leads Bill Wilson Center, overseeing comprehensive housing, counseling, and advocacy services for youth, families, and young adults. Brings deep operational, financial, and fundraising expertise to mission-driven organizations.
Ivory Li, Foundation Treasurer
Managing Director, Piper Sandler & Co.
A managing director with more than two decades of experience serving California community college and K–14 school districts. Specializes in voter-approved bond financing and has completed hundreds of bond issuances totaling over $15 billion, including multiple measures for the San José–Evergreen Community College District. Holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago.
Carmen Plaza de Jennings, Foundation Secretary
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Plaza de Jennings & Chipman LLP
A labor and employment attorney with more than 35 years of experience representing public and private sector employers, including institutions of higher education. Co-founded Plaza de Jennings & Chipman LLP after a distinguished career with the NLRB and as an equity partner at a nationally recognized employment law firm. Widely respected for strategic counsel, litigation expertise, and leadership in labor relations and workplace investigations.
Dr. Carmina Mendoza
Senior Director of Programs, Grail Family Services
Senior Director of Programs at Grail Family Services with more than 20 years of experience in education, bilingual learning, and family-centered programs. Also serves as adjunct faculty at Santa Clara University and San José State University and sits on multiple nonprofit boards. Holds a doctorate from UC Davis and is currently pursuing an MBA at Santa Clara University.
Rolando Bonilla
Voler Strategic Advisors
An award-winning communications and political strategist with extensive experience in government, public affairs, and crisis communications. Previously served in senior roles in San Francisco and San José government, including as Chair of the San José Planning Commission. Frequently quoted as a political analyst in local and national media.
Carlos Villafuerte
Partner, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth LLP
A partner in Stradling’s Public Law and Public Finance practice groups and serves as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, and underwriter’s counsel on a wide range of short- and long-term financings for school districts and community college districts, including tax and revenue anticipation notes, general obligation bonds, refinancings, leases and certificates of participation financings, revenue bonds, and other post-employment benefit bonds.
Ex-Officio Members
Tony Alexander, Board of Trustees
President and CEO of JW Consulting Group and a retired senior labor leader, having served as Political Director and Assistant to the President of UFCW Local 5. Has held numerous civic and nonprofit leadership roles focused on education, labor, and civil rights throughout Silicon Valley. A proud alumnus of San José City College and longtime community advocate.
Dr. Beatriz Chaidez, Chancellor, San José–Evergreen Community College District
An education leader with nearly 25 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, district administration, and executive leadership. Currently serves as Chancellor of the San José–Evergreen Community College District, following multiple senior human resources roles within the District. Brings deep expertise in labor relations, education law, and organizational leadership.
Dr. Marilyn Flores, President, San José City College
President of San José City College with more than 25 years of leadership experience in the California Community Colleges system. A first-generation college graduate deeply committed to advancing equity, access, and student success. Previously served as superintendent/president of Rio Hondo College and holds a Ph.D. from UC Riverside.
Dr. Vinicio J. López, President, Evergreen Valley College
President of Evergreen Valley College and a first-generation college graduate with nearly 25 years of experience as a community college educator and administrator. Previously served as vice president of instruction at Skyline College, leading student-centered initiatives focused on enrollment, retention, and completion. Holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Pepperdine University.
Board Agendas & Meeting Minutes
♦ Indicates upcoming board meeting