Gavin Newsom appoints San Jose student leader to state community colleges board

Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Maria Blaze, a San Jose student leader, to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Blaze has a strong advocacy background, having served as a student trustee at the Foothill-De Anza Community College District and as legislative affairs director for Region IV of the Student Senate of California Community Colleges. She also holds the position of youth policy director at SIREN and works as a civic engagement intern at the Vietnamese American Roundtable. The role does not require Senate confirmation, and Blaze will receive a $100 per diem for her service. This appointment underscores the significance of student representation in shaping policies affecting California's community colleges.

By including young leaders like Blaze, the board may foster greater civic engagement among the student population. Her diverse experiences could bring fresh perspectives to the board's discussions and decisions. The move reflects a commitment to integrating student voices into higher education governance.