Dra. Sandra Rocha

MESA Director | Ed.D, Organizational Leadership

Los Angeles, California, United States

About

Dra. Rocha is a first-generation college graduate and Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with over eight years of experience in higher education and approximately fourteen years in the broader field of education. Her work is grounded in expanding access, strengthening student success pathways, and advancing equity for historically underrepresented students, particularly in STEM. She has led and developed comprehensive student support systems through programs such as MESA, focusing on strategic planning, program management, and building partnerships that connect students to academic and career opportunities. Her background includes AVID, STEM curriculum development, and more than five years of experience in Dual Enrollment, designing and strengthening pathways between K–12 and higher education. Her doctoral research examined dual enrollment in the context of Vision 2023, with a focus on the support structures between community college and high school partners. Her leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments and building sustainable systems that empower students to persist, achieve, and thrive.

Experience

  • Cypress College (7 yrs 10 mos)
    • Interim Director of Educational Partnerships
      Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Special Project Director
      Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Special Project Manager
      Dec 2023 - Feb 2025 · 1 yr 3 mos

      MESA Manager MESA Program Manager oversees our MESA program's strategic planning and day-to-day operations, ensuring a student-centered and inclusive environment. Responsibilities include developing implementation plans in collaboration with stakeholders, managing project budgets, fostering communication between faculty and students, coordinating academic advising and career development activities, and facilitating partnerships with industry for internships and job opportunities. Additionally, I am responsible for maintaining program records, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and participating in evaluation activities to drive continuous improvement.

  • University of La Verne (Seasonal · 1 yr 8 mos)
    • Graduate & Adult Student Government President
      May 2024 - May 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      The Graduate and Adult Student Government (GASG) President is committed to serving and representing the student body of the University of La Verne. They will chair and facilitate GASG Senate meetings, appoint and collaborate with Executive Officers, set annual goals, develop and distribute meeting agendas, and oversee all GASG affairs. Emphasizing the importance of student service and active participation in shared governance with faculty and administration, they aim to ensure efficient administration, foster a supportive community, and uphold the responsibilities of this office with integrity.

    • Graduate & Adult Student Government Treasure
      Oct 2023 - May 2024 · 8 mos

      The GASG Treasurer, elected by the student body, holds a pivotal role in the financial management and decision-making processes of the Government Association of Student Government at the University. Serving as a voting ex-officio member of the GASG Senate, the Treasurer ensures a direct connection between financial matters and the broader governance structure. Responsibilities include receiving, processing, and maintaining budget requests, drafting bi-weekly financial updates, and exercising final authority on annual budget allocations. Acting as a liaison to the University Budget Office, the Treasurer facilitates alignment with institutional guidelines. Chairing the GASG Finance Committee, the Treasurer contributes to formulating financial policies within the student government, playing a central role in its financial governance.

  • Activity Specialist at Columbia Memorial Space Center
    2017 - 2019 · 2 yrs

  • AVID Tutor at MUSD
    2012 - 2017 · 5 yrs