Governing Board

Representing: Ward 3

Rebecca Barrett grew up in Concord and is the proud product of local public schools. As a Diablo Valley College (DVC) alumna, Rebecca has served on the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board since 2018. After attending DVC, she transferred to UCLA, where she earned a degree in political science. With prior professional experience at the California Department of Education and nonprofits, Rebecca lends her expertise to strengthening academic programs, workforce training opportunities, and community partnerships.

As a strong student advocate, Rebecca prioritized emergency student aid during the pandemic. She continues to champion affordable higher education access and student success initiatives. Rebecca also mentors 4CD students and cultivates leadership among various youth groups. A Martinez resident, she lives with her husband, Jonathan, dog, Marty McFly, and cat, Toby.

Representing: Ward 4

Andy Li is the owner of a healthcare information technology consulting firm that provides electronic medical record (EMR) system consulting services to clients nationwide. Born and raised in China, Andy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Nankai University. Upon immigrating to the U.S., Andy completed his Master's degree in Computer Science from University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Andy is very active in the community and participates in civic affairs. In 2015, Andy founded the Tri-Valley Chapter of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) and served as Chapter President through 2017. His hard work and commitment to civic duty led to his promotion in 2018 to President of APAPA’s Bay Area Region. Andy’s experience also includes serving as the PTA Committee Chair at Hidden Hills Elementary School and serving on the School Site Council at Bella Vista Elementary School, both in San Ramon. Andy also participates in other non-profit organizations, including Rotary, and Leadership San Ramon. Further, Andy was a member of the City of San Ramon’s Economic Development Advisory Committee; the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Parcel Tax Oversight Committee; and Contra Costa County Managed Care Commission.

Andy is passionate about education and emphasizes students’ success with reduced stress. As the first Chinese American to serve on the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board, Andy understands the importance of diversity and will strive to represent everyone within Ward 4’s growing, multi-cultural community. Andy lives in San Ramon with his wife and two children.

Representing: Ward 2

Dr. Judy E. Walters grew up in southeastern Idaho and has spent over 30 years working in the California Community Colleges. Dr. Walters' involvement with the California Community Colleges grew from a desire to advance social justice goals regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or physical abilities.

She began her career as a faculty member in San Diego, and more recently served as President of Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill and at Berkeley City College. In addition, Dr. Walters was a member of the California Accreditation Commission and served as Vice Chancellor of Policy Analysis at the State Chancellor's Office. Dr. Walters has been a leader facing challenging issues, including lean budgets, social change, and collective bargaining. She has worked with respect for the contributions of others.

Dr. Walters is a certified Appreciative Inquiry facilitator and is a collaborative problem-solver who has the courage and experience to propose solutions during challenging times. She has worked with experienced educational leaders, and will support the colleges in their work with students to reach their goals of completion and transfer by ensuring they have access to classes and services needed to attain their educational goals, especially during the global pandemic.

Representing: Ward 5

Fernando Sandoval is committed to educational excellence, diversity and inclusion. Mr. Sandoval once lived in a labor camp on the Sacramento River and taught himself English as a second language. He was later raised in East County. As a military veteran, Mr. Sandoval understands the value of education.

Mr. Sandoval's experience includes holding leadership positions in STEM, with such manufacturing, retail and finance companies as Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, General Motors, Hughes Aircraft and Sperry Univac. Business. While working for HSBC Bank and Capital Markets Corporation, Mr. Sandoval gained management experience in regulatory reporting and finance.

Within the community, Mr. Sandoval is a respected educational presenter, author, community college mentor, educational conference facilitator and serves on the Districtwide Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Council, as well as Chair of the Pittsburg Unified School District Bond Oversight Committee. He was recently awarded the 2020 Cesar Chavez Award for Exemplary Community Service.

Representing: Ward 1

Mr. Márquez attended Contra Costa College (CCC) and San Francisco State University where he obtained his associate of arts degree and his bachelor of arts degree, respectively. He attended University of Hastings College of Law for two years and attended graduate courses at California State University, Hayward (now known as California State University East Bay) and San Jose State University, earning a California Community College Teaching credential qualifying him to teach Spanish, Psychology, and Ethnic Studies. As a CCC student in 1970, he co-founded the La Raza Studies Department. Mr. Márquez has worked as a Human Relations Specialist for the City of Richmond and as Deputy Labor Commissioner and Labor Standards Investigator with the Office of State Labor Commissioner, Department of Industrial Relations. He is also a Certified Spanish/English Interpreter and has his own business: Márquez & Associates.

Mr. Márquez was first appointed to the Richmond City Council in 1985, and has served numerous terms on the Council. He has been a member of the Contra Costa Democratic Central Committee and was a State Delegate to the California Democratic Central Committee. Mr. Márquez and his wife have two sons, three daughters, and 12 grandchildren.

Halena Neyazi is a student at Los Medanos College (LMC), majoring in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology. She is a proud Muslim Afghan American woman who wishes to bring representation to her community. Halena serves as the President of the Muslim Student Association Club at LMC. Also, she works as a Student Ambassador for LMC Extended Opportunities Program and Services, where she always puts students first. Halena is an active member at her local mosque, the Brentwood Muslim Community Center, where she creates events with her team to ensure the youth know they have a safe space to lean on as well as being able to create great memories together. Halena’s religion, Islam, is the most important thing she holds onto in her life as it gives her purpose. Halena’s long-term goal is to transfer to a University of California or a California State University campus as a Human Development major with a minor in Psychology. She is truly passionate about equality, inclusion, human rights, equity, diversity and belonging. All voices will be heard as Halena always advocates for what is right and is determined to create a better future for everyone at 4CD.