Experience in Education and Leadership:
Teacher and District Administrator for 30 years in Gilroy, Hollister, and Santa Clara School Districts. Resident of Gilroy for 36 years.
Santa Clara County Office of Education Administrator of State/Federal English Learner and Immigrant Student Programs.
Statewide Lead Facilitator of Leadership Academies to Serve Immigrant/Minority Students for the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators.
Priorities as Gavilan College Trustee Area 4
Strengthen guided career technical education pathways for timely completion of degrees and certifications
Collaborate with K-12 school districts to increase early access of high school students to Gavilan College classes (dual enrollment)
Expand support services and partnerships for credit and non-credit students related to job opportunities, housing and childcare
Fiscal solvency and accountability
“I am proud to support Lorena's candidacy for Gavilan College Board Trustee because she is a champion for students. You will not find a more sincere, committed leader than Lorena Tariba. She will lead with decades of public school experience!”
Diego Ochoa, Superintendent of San Mateo-Foster City School District
“Lorena Tariba is the most qualified candidate for the Gavilan Community College Board of Directors because she demonstrates strong, dynamic leadership and excels as an effective communicator. Her work as a facilitator of Academies with the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators highlights her ability to inspire and guide teams, fostering enthusiasm, pride, and momentum. Lorena's high professional values and dedication to educational excellence make her the ideal choice to serve and uplift the Gavilan community. She has my full support!”
Ofelia Lariviere, Co-Executive Director, CALSA and Retired Superintendent
“Working with Ms. Tariba is truly inspiring. Her vast experience and dedication to supporting linguistically and ethnically diverse communities shine through in every aspect of her work. She combines deep knowledge with a collaborative spirit, always striving to uplift students, families, and educators alike. Her leadership in language minority programs and commitment to fostering educational equity will make her an invaluable asset to the Gavilan Community College Board of Directors (Area 4).”
Veronica Adams, District Head Interpreter at Santa Clara Unified School District
“Lorena’s strength and resiliency are truly commendable. Having witnessed her career journey, I am always impressed with her ability to navigate any challenge she encounters with grace”
Lucy Navarro, Gilroy Community Activist and former Home-based Preschool Teacher
“Lorena has been an invaluable mentor throughout my career, consistently demonstrating her extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of education. Her cultural competence and sensitivity have guided me in understanding diverse perspectives and have helped me navigate complex, multicultural environments. Lorena’s unwavering support and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth and development.”
Anna Santana, Spanish Department Head, Kathleen MacDonald High School - Santa Clara USD
“Lorena is a champion and trailblazer for social justice, advocacy, and empowerment. Her mantra of leading by action is vividly present when she advocates and places families first at the center of all her decisions when gauging impact. Lorena’s co-creation framework, relational trust, and community cultural wealth have opened a gateway of opportunities for my community as I continue to shape my career as an educator. I hope to be like Lorena one day, where if a mentor opens one door for you, you turn and open endless doors of opportunities.”
Erik Ugalde, Ed.D., Fifth Grade Teacher, Agnew Elementary School, - Santa Clara USD