Mona Aldana-Ramirez, CTN Ascender Program Director and Director of Student Success for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive Excellence at San Antonio College, has received national recognition by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE). She was honored with the 2020 Community College Award at the annual AAHHE conference held in March. The Community College Award, according to AAHHE, “recognizes an individual who has demonstrated excellence in advocacy, teaching or leadership and has provided significant contributions to the community college enterprise.”
“Mona is a prime example of the greatness produced by community colleges,” said Loui Olivas, president of AAHHE. “Her nominators described her as a fearless leader and advocate who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to her community.”
As a director of Student Services, Aldana-Ramirez, has been in charge of several programs at SAC including the San Antonio College Men Empowerment Network (SACMEN), a program with a mission to improve educational outcomes of African American and Latino males through mentoring and fostering leadership opportunities. Recently SACMEN earned the Outstanding Male Student Program Award in Texas.
In addition, she has demonstrated leadership in numerous programs and initiatives in service to the college and community. These include TheDream.US Scholarship Program, Honors Academy, Student Success Community Partnerships, Ascender Program, Student Ambassadors, and Foundations of Excellence. Aldana-Ramirez has represented the college in citywide committees and state level advisory boards.
She currently leads the college’s strategic equity plan to develop an equity mindset throughout the institution.