麻豆视频 has named Senaida Lopez, assistant dean of student success initiatives, as the inaugural recipient of the President鈥檚 Award for Leadership Excellence, recognizing her visionary leadership and lasting impact on student success and institutional outcomes.
Lopez, a longtime YVC employee and lower Yakima Valley native, was selected for her work in overseeing Admissions and Outreach, the Counseling and Advising Center, Guided Pathways and Pathway Navigators. Her leadership has focused on streamlining processes, improving access and removing barriers for students entering and navigating the college.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been driven by a passion for helping students because I see my younger self in them,鈥� said Lopez. 鈥淚 know exactly what they鈥檙e going through, because I鈥檝e been there.鈥�
Born and raised in Grandview, Lopez is a graduate of Grandview High School and a proud YVC alumna. A nontraditional student, she began taking YVC classes while working full time, enrolling in courses offered through partnerships with local high schools before the Grandview Campus opened. When the campus opened in 1990, she continued her education there and earned her Associate of Arts degree in 1996. In 2014 she also became among the first graduates of YVC鈥檚 Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management program.
鈥淲hen YVC began offering bachelor鈥檚 degrees, I knew I wanted to keep going,鈥� Lopez said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 never too late to go back to school or try something new. I鈥檓 living proof of that.鈥�
Lopez later completed a master鈥檚 degree in adult education from Eastern Washington University.
Her professional journey at YVC began in 1997 in a temporary position at the Grandview Campus. After a brief role as deputy city clerk for the City of Grandview, she returned to YVC full time in 1999, eventually moving into advising and leadership roles.
鈥淎s an advisor, I always told students that pursuing higher education opens doors throughout their lifetime,鈥� Lopez said. 鈥淚 always encourage them to leave the door open.鈥�
Interim Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management Pedro Navarrete said Lopez鈥檚 leadership has produced measurable results for the college.
鈥淪enaida鈥檚 contributions have had a profound impact on 麻豆视频,鈥� Navarrete said. 鈥淗er leadership in student success initiatives has improved retention, engagement and enrollment. She has been instrumental in redesigning the student journey to ensure consistent, proactive support from first contact through academic progression.鈥�
Lopez credits her parents and upbringing in a migrant farmworker family as her motivation.
鈥淢y parents wanted their children to have a better life,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 always been my driving force. Education never ends 鈥� you never stop learning and growing.鈥�
The President鈥檚 Award for Leadership Excellence honors an exempt professional or administrative staff member whose leadership, innovation and dedication have produced a lasting and transformative impact on the college community. The award includes an unrestricted monetary contribution.
The President鈥檚 Award for Leadership Excellence will be presented during YVC鈥檚 Employee Awards Recognition Ceremony on May 28.