Miramar College

Dr. Jacqueline Hester is the dean of Public Safety at Miramar College, overseeing Fire Technology, EMT, Lifeguard, San Diego Regional Police Academy, and San Diego Sheriff and Detention Academies. With over a decade in higher education leadership, she has led innovative programs, including the Non-Credit to Credit Alignment initiative, recognized by the Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges. Previously, she served as dean at San Diego College of Continuing Education and Kennedy-King College, co-leading technology and workforce initiatives. She earned a doctoral degree and a Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University, and her master’s degree from Saint Xavier University.

College of the Siskiyous

John “JT” Tarantino is the director of Planning, Assessment, and Research at College of the Siskiyous, where he combines business operations acumen with educational purpose. After over a decade in the technology industry, he transitioned into higher education to create transformative impact—implementing intuitive data platforms, streamlining institutional processes, and delivering accessible analytics that elevate student success. Known for translating complex data into clear, poignant stories, Tarantino advocates equity through numbers and empowers teams with meaningful insights. He’s currently working toward a doctoral degree from Rockhurst University and has earned a master’s degree from University of Portland.

Santiago Canyon College

Scotty James is a professor and the Distance Education coordinator at Santiago Canyon College. He started his career helping disabled students use technology to overcome learning barriers, which also provided him with a strong background in ADA Accessibility. He’s been in higher education for more than 25 years, teaching for 11 years, and is passionate about integrating technology to promote learning and engagement. James teaches courses on educational technologies, including AI for educators and instructional design for online learning. He earned a master’s degree from Pepperdine University, a bachelor's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and an associate degree from Santiago Canyon College.

Moreno Valley College

Donnell Philip Layne is an educator, technologist, and director of the iMAKE Innovation Center at Moreno Valley College. He’s secured over $12 million in federal funding for STEM equity and led the development of a 5,000 sq. ft. innovation hub and mobile makerspace. He co-founded Twinflame Ventures and Catalysts Design Studios, advancing entrepreneurship, AR/VR, and creative technology. Layne focuses on preparing learners for the future of work through AI, workforce training, and immersive learning, with a deep commitment to underserved communities and early childhood education. He earned a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree from Cornell University.