Olivia Zepeda named to national community college board, a boost for Yuma voices

Olivia Zepeda’s appointment to the Association of Community College Trustees Board of Directors on December 16, 2025 is a notable development for Arizona Western College and Yuma County. The ACCT is a nonprofit advocacy and professional organization for community college trustees. Zepeda will serve a three year term representing the Pacific Region.

Zepeda brings four decades of experience in education to the role, and she has been a long serving member of the AWC District Governing Board. Her work locally has been recognized through induction into the AWC Hall of Fame. Those credentials position her to translate local priorities into national advocacy for governance practices that support student success.

Community colleges play a central role in preparing residents for careers in healthcare, public health, and other essential services. Zepeda’s new role on the ACCT board strengthens Yuma County’s ability to influence federal and national conversations about funding for nursing programs, allied health training, mental health services on campuses, and partnerships that expand workforce pipelines. For students from low income and immigrant families who rely on AWC for accessible training, stronger governance and advocacy can mean better pathways to stable employment and improved community health outcomes.

Beyond workforce development, trustees on the ACCT board shape policy recommendations around student supports, financial aid, and institutional accountability. Zepeda’s experience with local governance gives her insight into how resource allocation affects retention and completion rates, particularly among students who face transportation, housing, and caregiving barriers. Her presence at the national level may help push for policies that center equity and remove obstacles for Yuma County learners.

Local residents are likely to see the effects over time as AWC and partner institutions pursue grants, federal programs, and regional collaborations informed by ACCT priorities. Zepeda’s appointment is an opportunity for Yuma to contribute to national strategies that align community college missions with public health needs, economic recovery, and social equity.