CAMARILLO, Calif. - TelAve -- With work rooted in equity, collaboration and a deep belief that education drives community strength, Dr. Cynthia Herrera, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness for Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD), has received recognition as the Ventura County Leadership Academy's (VCLA) Educational Leader of the Year.

The annual VCLA Journey to Leadership Awards recognize outstanding leaders who exemplify the organization's mission of connecting people and issues to strengthen Ventura County. The Educational Leader of the Year honor is for those who demonstrate equity, diversity and academic excellence in guiding others. It was these qualities that led VCCCD Chancellor Rick MacLennan to nominate Dr. Herrera.

"Dr. Herrera's leadership has strengthened our educational ecosystem and expanded opportunity for students and families throughout Ventura County," said Chancellor MacLennan. "Her work connecting education, workforce development and community partnerships reflects the very best of what our district stands for."

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Dr. Herrera has dedicated more than 15 years to VCCCD, growing from Dean of Institutional Effectiveness at Oxnard College to district-wide leadership. A founding member of the Ventura County STEM Regional Network, she has championed P-20 educational pathways and authored more than $40 million in state and federal grants serving underrepresented students. As Chair of the Economic Development Collaborative and a board member of Goodwill Industries, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, and the Museum of Ventura County, her influence extends well beyond the campus. A published author and presenter in higher education, she brings genuine investment in people and a commitment to equity that shows up in the work, not just the words.

Her prior honors include the Ventura County Woman of the Year award, two consecutive Chairman's Awards of Excellence from the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce, the Pacific Coast Business Times Latino Business Award, the Ventura County Star "25 over 50" award, and an honorary doctorate from California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI).

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"Receiving this recognition from the Ventura County Leadership Academy is deeply meaningful because it reflects the collective work of so many dedicated educators, partners and community leaders across Ventura County," said Dr. Herrera. "I have always believed that education is the foundation of economic mobility and community vitality, and this honor reinforces our shared responsibility to create systems that expand access and opportunity for every student. This recognition is not just about individual leadership — it represents the power of collaboration and our continued commitment to building pathways that connect education, workforce and community in transformative ways."

To learn more about the community colleges of Ventura County, visit https://vcccd.edu.