Student Leadership at DVC: Growing What Lasts
April, 2025
April, 2025
Last month, we reflected on the many ways leadership takes root at DVC—through alumni, faculty, coaches, and generous donors whose impact continues to shape lives long after the cap and gown. But as one academic year ends and another begins, it’s fitting to turn our attention to the leaders just beginning to bloom: our students and young alumni.
Because at DVC, leadership isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we cultivate. And the truest sign of lasting leadership is how well it prepares the next generation to step forward.
You can see it in Omar Mohamedali, whose thoughtful leadership as a student organizer, club officer and peer mentor continues to inspire. Omar leads not just through titles, but by listening, encouraging, and creating space for others to grow.
It shows in the story of the Gutierrez sisters— Itzel, a recent graduate and new DVC Foundation Board member, and Cindy, a current student with a heart for teaching. Their journey through the Puente Project and Diamante Scholars program reflects a shared commitment to equity, family, and educational opportunity. Together, they represent leadership that is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Please see more about them in the story below.
Monica Hicks, a 2024 graduate, served with clarity and compassion, always focused on lifting others. Her leadership was rooted in service, equity, and inclusion—values that made her the perfect choice for a historic honor. To recognize President Susan E. Lamb’s transformative leadership and enduring impact on Diablo Valley College, the Foundation proudly established the Susan E. Lamb Fellowship—and awarded the inaugural Fellowship to Monica.
Monica’s journey, from justice-impacted beginnings to earning her master’s in computer science at Stanford, embodies the very spirit of the Fellowship: resilience, mentorship, and opportunity. The announcement left the room deeply moved—and President Lamb nearly speechless. It was a moment that captured the heart of what makes DVC special: people investing in people. Reflecting on her time at DVC, Monica shared: “The DVC Foundation gave me the opportunity to lead and be heard. And more importantly, it helped me listen.”
And then there’s Charles McCoy, whose path through experiential learning and community engagement showed that leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about showing up, following through, and helping others find their way. Charles and Monica returned to campus this spring to speak at our President’s Circle Recognition Breakfast—not as students, but as young alumni ready to lead from the next chapter.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we do so with deep gratitude for these emerging leaders. They remind us that the seeds planted at DVC grow into something powerful—not just for themselves, but for the students who will follow.
Their stories affirm what we’ve said all along: Leadership at DVC doesn’t fade - it multiplies.