Congratulations, AJ, 2019-20 Employee of the Year

Amna Jara (AJ) joined the Falcon family in November 2004 as the Program Facilitator in the Technology Division, working with the Automotive Department. During her time in Auto, AJ completed her master’s degree in occupational studies, with an emphasis in counseling, and also received Employee of the Month in September 2006, and the 2006-2007 Employee of the Year Award. 

In November 2010 she transitioned to Student Services, and became the Student Activities Coordinator, a role she continues to serve in today.  In her role, AJ supports the efforts of student clubs and organizations, provides leadership training to student leaders, plans and implements engagement activities and events for students, serves as the Advisor to the ASCC Cabinet, among many other duties.  In addition to her role with Student Activities and the Associated Students of Cerritos College, AJ contributes to many campus efforts that focus on serving our diverse community, including the Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee, Safe Zone Committee, Falcon Basic Needs Taskforce, Undocu Taskforce, and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Committee. 

AJ is known by many across campus due to her work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to help anyone in need.  As the Employee of the Month for February 2020, AJ’s nominators included 5 students, who praised her as a role model, leader, source of encouragement, and problem-solver.  In the Student Activities Office there is a constant stream of students to see AJ, including many alumni who return frequently to check in with her, because of the positive difference she has made in their lives.  As one student nominator noted: “One always feels that everything will be ok while under her leadership or guidance, even more so if there was a possibility of failure, it would still be okay to learn from it.  The level of ‘We/you can do this’ is virtually unrivaled in my experience and time within the ASCC and Cerritos College.” 

AJ goes above and beyond on a regular basis, offering to step in for club advisors not able to make an event or trip, facilitating trainings and workshops to students day and night, and always checking in on students and her colleagues to see if they need help.  Beyond accomplishing her duties, it is AJ’s approach and attitude that makes her truly special.  She treats everyone with compassion, kindness, and support at all times.  AJ is a role model and leader on campus, and Cerritos College is a better place because of her.   

Congratulations, AJ!