03/03/2025
03/01/2025
02/04/2025
Join the Office of Campus Life and the Associated Students of Modesto Junior College
as we celebrate and honor the successes and accomplishments of women in our community.
The 5th Annual Women's Empowerment Luncheon features a speaking panel of influential
community female leaders and concludes with the Women's Empowerment Awards.
Friday, March 7, 2025
Mary Stuart Rogers (MSR)
MJC West Campus
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Register for the 5th Annual Women's Empowerment Luncheon
Dr. Ana Andrade holds a B.A in Criminal Justice from Stanislaus State University and a M.A. in Leadership Studies from Saint Mary’s College of California. Her thesis work focused on unemployment, morale and people with limited English-speaking proficiency. Ana earned a PhD in Transformative Studies from California Institute of Integral Studies in 2020. She is a native Spanish Speaker, raised in Patterson, California. Prior to her work in advocating for tenant rights, Ana spent over a decade working as a Deputy Probation Officer in San Joaquin County. She enjoys giving back to her community. She is former Latino Community Roundtable Board Member, recent graduate of the Stanislaus County Political Leadership Academy. She is on the Saint Mary’s College Alumni Board of Directors, member of the Stanislaus County Giving Circle, and is an advisor for Invest in Me, a young women’s leadership program based in Patterson. Her most recent volunteer board appointments are with Project Sentinel and with the Associated Fundraising Professionals. In 2023, Ana was named Outstanding Women of Stanislaus County by Stanislaus County Commission for Women. While all these opportunities have been instrumental in her civil rights formation, Ana’s most fulfilling role was advocating for troubled youth and their families. With her free time, she mentors’ individuals interested in in corrections careers, volunteers for campaigns that advocate equality and supports social justice causes.
Gabriela Hernandez Fernandez is the daughter of two hard working parents and moved to California at the age of four from Michoacán, Mexico. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young adults, a college graduate, and a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly to achieve her goals and aspirations.
With a passion for community service and advocacy, Gabriela is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. She leads efforts to build stronger, more connected neighborhoods through various initiatives, encouraging others to take an active role in shaping their communities.
Gabriela has served on city commissions, boards, and advisory committees for both the City of Patterson and Stanislaus County. As one of the directors for Love Stanislaus County, she believes in the importance of loving and supporting our neighbors. She is also the founder of a bully- and hate-free initiative and is a newly elected City Council Member for Patterson, CA.
Dr. Gabriela Nuño is the executive director of the advising and success center at Stanislaus State where she works with a dynamic team of students, advisors and faculty to deliver academic advising and support services to the campus community. With her nearly 19 years of experience in higher education, Gabriela is known as a collaborative leader and passionate advocate for student-centered change. Her professional experience includes designing supportive programs and services for students to access and achieve a baccalaureate degree with roles in student outreach, admissions and records, academic advising, and retention programs for first-generation and low-income students.
Gabriela holds a doctorate in educational leadership, master's in public administration and bachelor's in sociology, all from Stanislaus State.
Akia Walker is a passionate advocate for health and wellness. She hold a Bachelors of Science in biology, and is the proud founder of a wellness organization dedicated to promoting holistic well-being. With a strong foundation in science and a deep, personal commitment to fitness and self-care, Akia strives to make wellness education more accessible, particularly to undeserved communities. She believes that everyone, regardless of background, should have the tools and knowledge to prioritize their health. Akia's mission is to bridge gaps and healthcare access, companion preventative wellness, and support individuals in making informed decisions about their well-being. Akia is particularly focused on advocating for systemic change within healthcare to create a more inclusive, equitable system that serves all communities.
Through her work and ongoing efforts, she aims to inspire positive change and empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilled lives.
The Women's Empowerment Awards are an opportunity to recognize an individual or organization who lead and contribute to the empowerment of women at Modesto Junior College and throughout the community.
Award Presenter: Maria Cortez, Chief Strategy Officer, Stanislaus Community Foundation, 2022 Award Recipient
Award Presenter: Tina Akers-Porter, Mathematics Professor, 2023 Award Recipient
Award Presenter: Jonathan Arias, Director of Basic Needs, 2023 Award Recipient
Award Presenter: Celeste Randolph, ASMJC Interim Director of Political Development
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Campus Life