Planting the Seeds: Women of Color Focus of Leadership Conference

Taking the stage at this spring’s inaugural Women of Color Action Network (WOCAN) Conference, Mt. San Antonio College President/CEO Dr. Martha Garcia lit up the room. “I love the energy I feel in this space right now,” she said. “Let’s take a moment to recognize that this is a gift to us—and we deserve it.”

 Hosted by Mt. SAC, the groundbreaking event gathered more than 400 women from 30 community colleges and 12 universities across the region. WOCAN was created as a platform for empowerment, healing, and leadership development—an intentional space designed by and for women of color.

“In this moment, we are exchanging energy that is positive—energy meant to uplift, celebrate, and support one another as a collective community,” Dr. Garcia said. “At WOCAN, we honor women of color who lead, serve, and inspire.”

Addressing the students in the room, she emphasized that their dreams are attainable—and their potential, limitless. “You are the reason we do this work,” Dr. Garcia said. “You are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will take the seeds planted today and grow them into something greater. You belong in every room where decisions are made, where leadership is shaped, and where change is forged. We believe in you. We stand with you. And we cannot wait to see what you become.”

The day began with a keynote by Dr. Yasmin Davidds, best-selling author and renowned organizational psychologist, whose message set a powerful tone. Attendees, including approximately 150 students, participated in workshops focused on building mentorship networks, dismantling systemic barriers, and closing equity gaps for historically marginalized students. The conference closed with stirring remarks from poet, writer, and podcaster Angela Aguirre, who shared messages of inspiration and self-empowerment.

WOCAN’s roots trace back to the Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN), launched in 2018 and supported by the Foundation for California Community Colleges. The vision for a women-centered initiative emerged in 2024, after Dr. Garcia and Mt. SAC Vice President of Student Services Dr. Melba Castro attended a MOCAN event at Long Beach City College. There, Compton College’s Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Nicole Jones, helped ignite the idea that would eventually evolve into WOCAN.

 “Dr. Garcia and I knew we had to take action,” said Dr. Castro. “What began as an idea became a seedling of promise. Through mentorship, love, and a deep commitment to social justice, we are building something that didn’t exist before—a powerful network of support, advocacy, and leadership for women of color.”

Tannia Robles, Associate Dean of Student Engagement, served as one of the co-chairs of the event, 1 alongside Dr. Castro and Dr. Connie Gutierrez, Dean of Access & Wellness. She credited the “miracle workers” – a small group of Student Services managers and administrative specialists in the Vice President of Student Services office– who came together to plan the event in a short timeframe. 

“We were committed to creating a supportive, nurturing, and empowering environment that would make women feel safe discussing issues that affect them,” Robles said. “We wanted to be of service to professionals and students who not only share our background but also have similar experiences navigating higher education and the broader world.” 

The momentum behind WOCAN was strengthened by the collaboration of key partners, including L.A. Mission College President Dr. Armida Ornelas and Rio Hondo College Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Martinez-Flores, whose support helped bring the initiative to life.

Reflecting on the broader need, Dr. Castro highlighted a persistent gap in support for women. Despite progress, she noted, women—regardless of background—remain underrepresented.
“There were no mentors who looked like me or shared my background,” she said. “It’s vital that women of color have role models they can turn to for guidance, encouragement, and solidarity.”

With this event, Mt. SAC is taking the lead in building sustainable spaces for healing, connection, and leadership—spaces that empower the next generation of women to rise, thrive, and lead with purpose.

“WOCAN is a labor of love,” Dr. Castro said. “Mentorship and support for women of color isn’t just kind—it’s justice. It’s transformational work that changes narratives, shifts institutions, and creates space where none existed before.”