In action

Perez, 54, is in her sixth year as president of the small community college in the hills of Redwood City. Her time in this position provides balance between the days of battling for affirmative action and putting faces to those she serves, she said.

Raised in a low-income neighborhood in San Francisco, Perez split her time between the urban life and the more rural one her family hailed from in El Salvador. After graduating from high school and attending Stanford University, she moved into the limelight of affirmative action shortly after taking a counselor position at City College of San Francisco.

That was 1975. With civil unrest and equal rights protests still in the forefront of people's consciousness, serious efforts at change were afoot in progressive places like San Francisco. Perez, because of her Latina heritage and "can do" attitude, was seen as a rising star for a national affirmative action movement.

"I was very much a product of affirmative action and its consciousness," said Perez who, at age 25, was made a dean at CCSF. "I sensed a tremendous amount of pressure to succeed and not make mistakes. I was the first generation of Latino people in these types of positions."

Trying to inspire others around her, Perez split her time between work and promoting the cause. She rapidly moved through the ranks of the community college system, serving in positions which gradually removed her from the daily rhythm of life.

One day she got burnt out by it all.

"I got tired of the politics of administration," Perez said. "I had started young, with lots of demands placed on me. I needed a break."

Perez stepped out of the limelight somewhat, taking a faculty position at CCSF in 1988 to teach ethnic studies. She also coached softball, adopted two children and allowed herself time to feel.

"I spent some time crying and allowing myself to be loved by students," said Perez. "I needed to be around those who I could directly help."

After some time, Perez felt ready to climb back onto the administrator ladder. She spent several years working at different community colleges, before receiving a phone call about the Cañada position in 1999. She was hesitant about taking it, but quickly fell in love with what she found to be the ideal small town/small college feel.

"I found a position where I can have great influence," said Perez. "At the same time, I can sit with students right outside of my door."

The big "Aha" for her, as Perez put it, was realizing the self-imposed limits she put up for herself. This changed as she saw the direct effects her decisions and programs were having on the students and the community around the school. This work, besides helping others, has brought personal gain as well.

"I feel so welcomed and valued in this community," said Perez. "People really care about what we are doing here."

Outside of being a community college president, Perez has other hobbies. Her biggest passion at the moment is golf, which she finds very relaxing. She also dabbles in salsa dancing, poetry and hiking.

Regardless of what she is doing, this self defined "rhythmic, urban Latina mixed with Puebla girl" says her entire life circles around one thing.

"Everything is about attitude," she said.