News & Upcoming Events.
Authentic Leadership & Career Advancement Workshop
Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM MST (12 PM PST | 2 PM CST | 3 PM EST)
Join us for an engaging session designed to empower professionals with strategies for leading authentically while advancing their careers. This workshop will explore practical approaches to building trust, fostering inclusive environments, and aligning personal values with organizational goals. Participants will gain actionable insights from experienced leaders on navigating challenges, cultivating resilience, and positioning themselves for growth in today’s dynamic workplace.
This workshop is brought to you by two exceptional leaders whose remarkable careers speak volumes. Take this opportunity to learn from their expertise, insights, and proven strategies for success.
Rowena Tomaneng, Ed.D.
Deputy Chancellor for the California Community College
Wyman Fong, MS HRM
Served as Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Emeritus for the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District
Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng has been a multicultural educator in the California Community Colleges for 31 years. She is currently Deputy Chancellor for the California Community Colleges since 2024, responsible for implementing the Vision 2030 goals of increasing with equity student access, success, and support through three strategic directions: Equitable Baccalaureate Attainment, Workforce and Economic Development, and generative AI and the Future of Learning. She oversees seven divisions that support 116 colleges and 2.2. million students; Academic Affairs; Student Services; Workforce and Economic Development; Research, Analytics, and Data; Program Operations and System Initiatives; Equity, Innovation, and Institutional Effectiveness; and Strategic Educational and Workforce Initiatives.
Prior to joining the Chancellor’s Office, Dr. Tomaneng served as President of San José City College (SJCC) in the San José-Evergreen Community College District from 2020-2025 and President of Berkeley City College (BCC) in the Peralta Community College District from 2016-2020. Dr. Tomaneng previously served in multiple roles at De Anza College, in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, including faculty, Division Dean, and Associate Vice President of Instruction
Beyond the Chancellor’s, Dr. Tomaneng serves as President of Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) Board of Directors, executive member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), member of the American Council on Education Strengthening Institutions Roundtable, and Commissioner for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). Dr. Tomaneng's teaching, research and publications explore human rights, social movements, transnational feminism, and racial equity in education. She has written and contributed to a variety of publications including the Journal of Multicultural Perspectives, Overcoming Educational Racism in the Community College, and Transformative Practices for Minority Student Success: Accomplishments of Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions.
A first-generation immigrant from the Philippines and community college transfer student from Cypress College, Dr. Tomaneng received her EdD from the University of San Francisco's School of Education in International and Multicultural Education with a concentration in Human Rights Education, MA in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and BA in English from the University of California, Irvine.
Wyman M. Fong is designated as Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Emeritus for the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD) - given his early retirement on December 31, 2024. Prior to his emeritus status, Wyman was the longest serving vice chancellor of human resources in the California Community College system.
Some highlights of his contributions include:
Wyman was elected in 2021 as President for the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA). ACCCA is an organization for administrators of California’s 116 community college campuses, serving 2.1 million students.
Wyman also was elected and served two terms as statewide President for the Association of Chief Human Resource Officers/Equal Employment Officers (ACHRO).
Wyman takes great pride having served as a national Board member (and past president) for Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE). He currently serves as an emeritus board member, and volunteers annually for Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics.
Wyman was a founding and former member of The Coalition, which is three higher educational organizations standing in solidarity to address conditions of inequity within the California Community College system. These organizations include the African American Male Education Network and Development (A2MEND), Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE), and California Community College Organizacion de Latinx Empowerment Guidance & Advocacy for Success (COLEGAS).
Wyman was also nominated as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Asian/Pacific Islander Council (NAPIC), an affiliated council of the American Association for Community Colleges (AACC) and concluded his service in 2024.
If you wish to participate, simply register here.
AACC Fall Meeting & Coalition of Affiliated Councils
Thank you to everyone who participated in the AACC Fall meeting and the Coalition of Affiliated Councils (COAC) Meeting in Arlington, VA. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on shaping the future of our work together. During our discussions, we explored the Resilient by Design Report. Community colleges must design for resilience, not just react to change. AACC and its members face seismic shifts—demographics, technology, workforce needs, and funding pressures—that demand bold, integrated strategies. There is incredible momentum with Dr. Pollard—her leadership is energizing all of us, and her vision is sparking excitement across the organization.
MCC Joins Statewide Effort at Massachusetts State House to Advocate for AANAPISI Funding
On July 30 and November 12, 2025, Middlesex Community College (MCC) joined fellow AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions) program staff from UMass Lowell, UMass Boston, and Bunker Hill Community College at the Massachusetts State House to advocate for continued support of AANAPISI initiatives. As a result of the discontinuation of the federal AANAPISI grant funding, the group urged state legislators to consider state-level backing to ensure the longevity of these transformative programs.
Members of the House Asian Caucus—State Representative Tackey Chan (Quincy), Amy Sangiolo (Newton), Erika Uyterhoeven (Somerville), and Representative Tara Hong (18th Middlesex District, Lowell)—met with students and staff to hear firsthand about the critical role AANAPISI funding plays in student success.
The AANAPISI grants have enabled the four institutions to build a culturally responsive and holistic support system for Asian American, Pacific Islander, and low-income students. These efforts have directly led to improved academic outcomes, including increased persistence, retention, and graduation rates.
MCC and its AANAPISI partners are urging lawmakers to recognize the profound impact these programs have had and to consider new avenues of state support.
Middlesex Community College Celebrates 55 Years of Impact and Community Partnership
On October 8, 2025, Middlesex Community College (MCC) proudly celebrated 55 years of excellence, innovation, and community impact — a milestone honoring the thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners who have shaped the college’s remarkable journey.
The celebration brought together over 480 guests, including state and city officials, MCC retirees, and dedicated community members, all gathered to recognize the college’s enduring contributions to education and the region. The event highlighted MCC’s legacy of empowering learners, fostering opportunity, and building strong, inclusive communities across the Commonwealth.
This year’s celebration carried added significance as MCC also marked 10 years of its designation as an Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). This milestone underscores the college’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—values that continue to define its mission and shape the student experience.
In true MCC spirit, the event was not only a celebration of the past but also an investment in the future. All proceeds benefited the MCC Student Emergency Fund for Essential Needs, supporting students who face unexpected financial challenges that can disrupt their education.
As the college reflects on its 55-year legacy, the evening served as a powerful reminder of how collaboration, compassion, and community can transform lives. Middlesex Community College remains dedicated to creating access, opportunity, and pathways to success for all students.
LEAP Advance 2025 – Recognition
NAPIC wishes to congratulate the LEAP Advance 2025 Cohort & express our gratitude to APAHE & LEAP for their collective efforts in investing & supporting our Asian and Pacific Islander educators. Many NAPIC leaders are honored and pleased to serve as faculty for this incredible program!
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The Persistent 'Bamboo Ceiling': AAPI Leaders Still Rare Among College Presidents
Diverse Education, May 2025
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders remain significantly underrepresented in college presidencies, holding just 3.6% of such roles. Despite their growing presence in higher education, AAPI professionals face the "bamboo ceiling"—biases that hinder leadership advancement. The article highlights efforts to support AAPI leadership through mentorship and advocacy, while spotlighting current leaders as examples of progress. Read the entire article:
AACC Joint Councils Reception
Come together for an evening of collaboration!
Hosted by NCBAA, PRT, NAPIC & NCCHC, this reception is the perfect opportunity to connect, network, and celebrate our collective impact in higher education.
Omni Nashville: Legends Ballroom G
Finding Your Groove During Challenging Times
Hosted by AACC Affilitate Councils: The National Asian Pacific Islander Council, The National Council on Black American Affairs, The National Community College Hispanic Council, and The President’s Roundtable.
This pre-conference session at the American Association of Community Colleges Annual Convention is designed for senior-level higher education administrators to explore how courageous leadership can spark lasting change and drive innovative solutions in higher education. Through real-world examples and crucial conversations, participants will gain insights into strategies for fostering resilience, maintaining authenticity, and navigating institutional barriers. The sessions will focus on leading with integrity to cultivate sustainable growth and resilience while addressing student needs and societal expectations.