MiraCosta College Trustee Raye Clendening is set to join the prestigious ranks of the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame, celebrated for her outstanding dedication to empowering her community. Clendening’s induction ceremony, an annual event hosted by the Women’s Museum of California, will take place on April 13 at the esteemed Joan B. Kroc Theatre in San Diego.
“Trustee Cledening is so deserving of this honor,” said MiraCosta College president/superintendent Sunita V. Cooke. “Her contributions to our community through her work as an educator administrator and now board member, as well as her volunteer efforts, have made a significant difference to countless people.”
Since its inception in 2001, the Women’s Museum of California has bestowed this honor upon women who have made exceptional volunteer contributions and enhanced the quality of life in San Diego.
Clendening, a dedicated member of the MiraCosta College District Board of Trustees since 2022, represents Area 6, the northernmost sector of the district. Her service extends beyond the boardroom, as she co-founded the North County Business and Professional Women’s Organization and the North County African American Women’s Association. Additionally, Clendening has lent her expertise to various organizations, including the Vista Community Clinic, the African American Advisory Board for California State University, San Marcos, the Women’s Resource Auxiliary Board, and the Oceanside/MiraCosta GearUp Advisory Board.
Before her retirement, Clendening enjoyed a distinguished career as an educator, spanning decades of service in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. Her tenure included 14 years as principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Maie Ellis Elementary School, and Potter Junior High School. She concluded her career by overseeing all student services and special education programs for the Oceanside Unified School District, where she directly impacted many students who would later attend MiraCosta College.
Clendening’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Fran Alshire Leadership Award from Leadership North County, the Middle Grades Principal of the Year Award for the State of California, and the City of Oceanside Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award.
As MiraCosta College commemorates Women's History and Heritage Month, the community is proud of Trustee Raye Clendening's induction into the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame. This honor not only celebrates Trustee Clendening's extensive impact as an educator and volunteer but also underscores our College's commitment to recognizing the influential role of women throughout our history who dedicate themselves to excellence, service, and education. Her induction is a testament to the extraordinary achievements of women leaders who echo the College's values of service and education.
