MiraCosta College professor Annie Ngo and MiraCosta College CARE program manager Devon Boone are among just 46 California community college professionals who have been recognized in a new publication for their exemplary work as equity-focused, holistic student support leaders.

The publication, Celebrating Exemplary Student Support Leaders: Stories and Practical Advice from California Community College Faculty and Staff, was funded by the College Futures Foundation, authored by The Ada Center, and supported by Phase Two Advisory, all three of which are committed to improving student outcomes through an equity lens.

Dr. Annie Ngo is a business administration professor who helped launch the MiraCosta College Career Mentoring program that pairs business and accounting students from traditionally underserved communities with industry professionals to help them reach their educational and career goals. She also played a key role when MiraCosta College became an early adapter of the statewide Guided Pathways initiative, an equity-focused framework that establishes clear paths for students while removing systemic obstacles to their success. In addition, she almost singlehandedly crafted the curriculum for a new supply chain management certificate and degree program, while also utilizing professional development opportunities to become an even stronger ally and advocate for Black and African American students and students from the LGBTQ+ community.

“Professor Ngo is amazing and MiraCosta is lucky to have her,” wrote one student on the RateMyProfessors.com website.

Boone has established himself as a force for change as manager of the CARE team, a rapid response effort connecting students who may not know where their next meal is coming from or may not have a stable place to stay with resources that can make a difference between graduating or dropping out.

“Through Devon’s leadership, the CARE team is integrated throughout MiraCosta College’s culture of care and support, including our Student Success Teams,” said Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Nick Mortaloni, who nominated Boone for the recognition. “As we continue on the path toward closing our equity gaps and improving student outcomes, Devon and our CARE program are at the center of how we will remove non-academic barriers to student success.”

In addition, Boone is heavily involved with Farmers Market food distributions on campus, helps direct the MiraCosta College food pantry, and runs a basic needs advocate training program.

“Celebrating Exemplary Student Support Leaders: Stories and Practical Advice from California Community College Faculty and Staff” is based on interviews with the honorees and those who nominated them. As one student shared, “I would tell (the student support leaders): You probably don’t even know how much it means to us students.To have someone who cares…it’s like a lifeline when everything else feels like chaos.”

Said Ngo: “It’s about meeting our students where they’re at and all of the things they have to juggle while going to school,” Dr. Ngo said. “We need to teach our students in a way that resonates with them.”

Added Boone: “We’re doing it from the heart. We’re not doing it to be recognized. But it does feel good to be seen for the impact that our work is having on our students.”