Rocío D. Hernández

About Rocío D. Hernández

At Ventura College, my leadership within the CalWORKs program aligns with my dedication to student success and inclusivity, ensuring policies and operations harmonize to support our diverse student body. My role includes managing program policy, financial oversight, and reporting, alongside providing comprehensive counseling services. Our team’s strategic collaboration fortifies the academic and personal growth of our students, with a focus on equity.With a rich background in educational administration and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, my career is marked by a steadfast commitment to social justice and advocacy for underrepresented communities. My work is further distinguished through publications that underscore the experiences of Latinas in higher education, reflecting a mission to forge pathways for Latinx empowerment and academic achievement.

Experience

1. Faculty Counselor & Program Director (Associate Professor)

   Ventura College

   Jul 2017 — Present · CA, US

   Oversee day to day operations of the college CalWORKs program including budget, staffing and compliance. Manage expenditures to ensure compliance with legal requirements set forth in the Education Code and annual State Budget Act, and in guidelines issued by the Chancellor’s Office. Responsible for timely submission of program reports to the Chancellor’s Office. Coordinate with the local county welfare department to determine and document eligibility of students. Provide comprehensive academic, personal and career counseling to students. Collaborate with campus entities to address issues impacting students and refer students to appropriate support services, programs, and resources. Case Management including tracking student continuing eligibility, monitoring and supporting students’ progress in achieving educational goals, and tracking the support services provided to students (for example, work study, counseling, etc.). Coordinate CalWORKs work study component, including collaboration with the financial aid department to ensure that need-based awards are coordinated. Represent department on campus, system-wide, state or national meetings and relevant committees and participate in CalWORKs district, regional, state wide meetings.

Education

• University of Southern California

  Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Option in Higher Education Administration

  2010 — 2013

• California State University, Northridge

  M.S., Counseling, Option in College Counseling and Student Services

• UC Santa Barbara

  B.A., Chicana/o Studies & Spanish