Trustee Maria Fuentes returned to the San Jose Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) Board of Trustees in December 2018, after previously serving as Trustee for 23 years. Maria brings her creativity and passion for education to making strategic policy decisions that benefit students at San Jose City College, Evergreen Valley College, the Milpitas Extension, the local community and economy, and the success of and good working conditions for classified, faculty, management, and executive staff of SJECCD.
Like most students she serves, Maria sought her opportunity at a community college. Maria started at Bakersfield Community College and transferred to San Jose State University, receiving a BA in Liberal Studies and a minor in Mexican American Studies. She later received a Master of Social Welfare from UC Berkeley. Understanding the challenges of mental illness and the importance of accessible, culturally competent services, Maria devoted close to 40 years as a manager in public mental health, working in several community agencies and with the County of Santa Clara. She retired in 2019. Trustee Fuentes is always accessible and dedicates her service to helping all students fulfill their dreams!