In a certain way, Mike Fong owes his very existence to the Los Angeles Community College District. His parents met while they were students at Los Angeles City College, and Fong himself took classes at City College and East L.A. College before transferring to UCLA.

“I recognize the importance of public education and of the community college district in providing for a lot of immigrant families as well as to nontraditional students and to people who are coming out of high school,” said Fong. “We must be ready to serve our students wherever they are in terms of their goals and aspirations. That drives me each and every day.”

Fong joined the Board of Trustees in 2015 to fill out the term of Miguel Santiago. He has served as the board’s president and vice president and has served on the board’s Budget and Finance, Facilities Master Planning and Oversight Committees. Fong was previously the East Area Director for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and was the Mayor’s Policy Director for Workforce Development.

As he seeks reelection, Fong says he is focused on such issues as increasing diversity and inclusion within the district, including promoting the passage of ACA 5, which would repeat Prop 209 and reinstate affirmative action. He is also looking to enhance the district’s capacity to offer job training, workforce development, and career training.

“I’ve been very keen on these programs and how we can work in partnership with business and labor to really make sure that our curriculum meets the needs of the future workforce in the LA area,” Fong said. “Thanks so much to the faculty and staff for all their leadership and efforts around workforce development that lead to solid middle class jobs.”