PCC Staff Member Heba Griffiths Receives Service Award

Heba Griffiths, Interim Associate Dean of Student Life received a service award from the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) at their March 2014 regional conference in San Diego.  The service award recognizes length of service for educational equity programs.

WESTOP is one of ten regional associations dedicated to providing educational opportunities for low income, first generation, and students with disabilities.  The mission of the organization is to create and develop educational professionals who are able to advocate and provide educational opportunities for those who are underserved.  Heba serves as the Education and Legislation Chair for the Southern California chapter of WESTOP.

“PCC and our students have benefited tremendously from Heba’s leadership.  She has served as the Interim PASS Program Director, Interim Upward Bound Math & Science Director, and Interim Associate Dean of Student Life in addition to her role as Director of Upward Bound,” said Dr. Cynthia Olivo, Acting Vice President of Student Affairs.

Griffiths has worked at PCC serving as a leader in the TRIO programs, the Upward Bound Classic Coordinator for thirteen years.  She grew up in the local area, graduating from Pasadena High School.  Griffiths, an immigrant to the United States from Egypt and a first generation college student at UC Santa Barbara, worked relentlessly over the years to become a servant leader to students who were faced with overcoming obstacles.  Vice President Olivo describes Griffiths leadership as confident, organized, strong and supportive.  She is able to work with students and faculty alike.”  Griffiths currently coordinates the services for all student services at PCC.