Cerritos College Trustee Carmen Avalos announces departure from the Board of Trustees

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2022

Media Contact:  Daryl Betancur; Public Affairs

Carmen Avalos with President Dr. Fierro and the Board of TrusteesNORWALK, Calif. - September 15, 2022 – The Cerritos Community College District announced today that Board of Trustees member Carmen Avalos will conclude her service on the Board of Trustees effective October 14, 2022. 

Avalos was first elected to the Cerritos College Board of Trustees in November 2005. She was reelected in November 2012. She represents Trustee Area 2, which includes portions of the cities of South Gate, Downey, Bellflower, and Norwalk. Avalos was instrumental in the passing of the District’s Project Labor Agreement in 2016, which helped boost local hiring and community engagement. She also served as city clerk for South Gate from 2001-2022. During her time as city clerk, Avalos was honored as the 2002 Woman of the Year for the 30th Senate District by Senator Martha Escutia and as the 2003 Woman of the Year for the 50th Assembly District by Marco Antonio Firebaugh. In January 2022, she was appointed to serve as city clerk of Roseville located in the Sacramento metropolitan area. 

“It is with mixed emotions that I step down as the first immigrant Mexican-American to serve on the board after 14 years. I leave with many fond memories of the amazing work and the many lives that have been changed as a result of providing educational opportunities. May my contributions to the College and the students have a lasting positive effect on our community. I leave with much gratitude and say thank you for the privilege to have served the Cerritos College community,” said Avalos.

“Over the past 14 years, Trustee Avalos has shown remarkable tenacity and a genuine commitment to our students and the community. We thank her for her leadership to the District and wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent.

Information regarding the vacant board seat can be found at www.cerritos.edu/boardvacancy. For questions, please contact the Cerritos College President’s Office by phone at (562) 860-2451 extension 2204 or visit www.cerritos.edu. 



About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu. 

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