Experience, both in the classroom and at the bargaining table, is a hallmark of what Nichelle Henderson offers in her candidacy for seat #5 on the Board of Trustees. A faculty advisor and lecturer at Cal State University, Los Angeles, and a member of her faculty rights team, Henderson understands what it means to be a teacher during challenging times.

“I want to be a representative and a voice for faculty, staff, and students alike,” said Henderson. “It’s very important to me to ensure that your voices are heard.”

Henderson has set as a priority increasing student enrollment while also finding sustainable ways to support academic success. She believes that community college presents an affordable pathway to help students achieve their academic and professional dreams.

“Right now, we have a situation in which some faculty and students are finding that they don’t have the necessary tools to teach and learn online,” she said. “Many students are struggling to pay fees and purchase books for classes and they’re not attending in person.”

Henderson also stresses the importance of improving outreach and recruitment to underserved communities. LACCD, she notes, educates more Black students than the UC and California State systems combined.

“If the District wants to truly be inclusive, then we need a Black representative for Black faculty students and staff on the Board of Trustees. We also need another woman so that we’re on the road to representing diversity and ethnicity,” Henderson said.