MISSION COLLEGE PRESIDENT
RECIPIENT OF PIONEER WOMEN AWARD

Dr. Adriana Barrera, president of Mission College in Sylmar, has been named a recipient of the Pioneer Women of the Year award by the City of Los Angeles.

The award, presented by the city’s Commission on the Status of Women, is given each year to 15 outstanding women, each nominated by one of the 15 city council members. It pays tribute to the honorees’ contributions to the vitality of Los Angeles and to their accomplishments, which must reflect leadership, advocacy or philanthropy.

Alex Padilla, 7th District councilman, nominated Dr. Barrera.

The award was presented to Barrera in a ceremony during the Los Angeles City Council’s March 28 meeting.

"I’m honored by the award, particularly since it is given in recognition of my efforts to advance Mission College," said Barrera.

Dr. Barrera became president of Los Angeles Mission College in July 2000. Since then, she has led the Sylmar college during a pivotal period that has seen enrollment grow by 35 percent; the full-time faculty expand by 20 instructors to meet the growing enrollment; the launching of the Proposition A renovation effort; and renewal of the college’s accreditation. During her tenure, Dr. Barrera has overseen completion of two major construction efforts: the Guadalupe S. Ramirez Collaborative Studies (classroom) Building and expansion of the Student Services Annex. She also oversaw the return of a limited athletics program to the college after a five-year hiatus.

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