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If there were an award for "Most Effective Budget Terrorizer," Brett would win hands down. He expertly taught me exactly how much money I think I had, then promptly shattered that illusion by showing me everything I can’t spend it on. Over the years, he patiently pointed out every single way I managed to spend my budget incorrectly—because apparently, I’m a natural at creative financial mistakes.

Thanks to Brett’s endless reminders that our department basically didn't have any money, I now live in a constant state of budget-induced fear. I’m so scared to spend a dime that my budget has become a shrine to unspent funds (not really).

So here’s to Brett, the mentor who took my my spending confidence, and gave it a good shake, and somehow made me a wiser (if slightly more paranoid) spender. Truly, a mentor like no other!

Congratulations on your retirement Budget Terrorizer! :)

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Shout out:  "Who has been your biggest mentor on campus, and what impact have they had on your personal or professional growth?"

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Shout out:  "Who has been your biggest mentor on campus, and what impact have they had on your personal or professional growth?"

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I am excited to nominate Daniela Perez Padilla for Outstanding Classified Professional of the Year. Watching Daniela in action on Super Saturday was nothing short of impressive. She worked seamlessly with her team to ensure the event ran smoothly, demonstrating exceptional coordination and leadership. I can only imagine the behind-the-scenes work that went into making the event a success, and yet, everything appeared to go off without a hitch.

Throughout both events, Daniela maintained the highest level of professionalism, interacting graciously with students, parents, faculty, and staff. She offered unwavering support to her team, ensuring everyone was equipped to succeed. Thanks to her meticulous planning and dedication, these events not only ran as planned but also showcased Miramar in a positive light.

Daniela’s commitment to excellence and her ability to handle complex events with ease and grace make her truly deserving of this recognition. Keep up the fantastic work, Daniela!

Let me know if you’d like to adjust any part of it!

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I am nominating Jenelle for her District HR knowledge that she has brought to Miramar.  Her time here hasn't been long, yet during the past year and a half she has earned the respect from fellow colleagues who don't hesitate to come to her with questions.  Why?  Because she is very knowledgeable and can be trusted to give the correct answers.  She responds to e-mails quickly and is thorough with her responses.  Her door is always open and greets those who come in with a smile.  She will never make you feel like you are bothering her and is a joy to work with.

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Stan the Man! He is willing to go above and beyond to care for the needs of the Miramar College community, and does it with a smile. His continued dedication to the campus mission and vision is what makes him the real MVP and why he deserves this accolade. "Every day above ground is a good day." ~Stan

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I am honored to nominate Rachel Martinez for the Unsung Hero award. I can't count the number of times Rachel has helped me out of a jam, always stepping in with grace and professionalism. No matter the challenge, she remains calm, reassuring, and approaches every situation with a smile that brings comfort to those around her.

Rachel’s interactions with students reflect the same level of care and dedication. She is truly someone who wants everyone to succeed and goes above and beyond to make sure they have the support they need. Her quiet, yet powerful contributions often go unnoticed, but they have an immeasurable impact on our community.

Rachel’s unwavering positivity and commitment to helping others make her the perfect candidate for this recognition.

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What is written as the definition of Unsung Hero was written about Emily. As the primary lab technician in Microbiology for over a decade, has truly been instrumental in the success of our Microbiology courses and Allied Health program.  She never complains, is always willing to step in and go the extra mile to diagnose issues and works tirelessly to keep all of our bacterial strains un-contaminated!  She makes sure that her fellow lab techs are supported and have what they need to succeed.  And she does this with a smile on her face.  You may not see her around campus often, as she has a herculean task to maintain our microbiology labs, and she doesn't ask for recognition or fame, but for all these reasons she is truly deserving of this award.

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Marco is an Athletic Equipment Attendant who goes above and beyond for the athletic department and the college as a whole. He is always looking for ways to improve and to make each individual he crosses paths with feel welcomed. The details that go into his role could easily be overlooked without many noticing, but that does not stop him from making sure the work is completed to the highest standard. And with that, he often doesn't receive the praise he deserves. However, he doesn't do it for the praise. He constantly goes outside of responsibilities to help others in and out of the athletic department and his ultimate goal is always to make Miramar look better. Marco deserves this recognition!

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I would like to nominate Brenda O'Connor for Unsung Hero. Brenda works extremely hard in the MBEPS Dean's office and doesn't ask for thanks. She helps students, faculty, and staff alike to succeed everyday. She also works hard for Classified Senate and was just elected secretary. I think that her contribution to our campus largely go unrecognized and she deserves recognition.

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Marissa continues to be an amazing employee of San Diego Miramar College. Her involvement runs much deeper than any of us can even begin to be aware of and she does it with a smile. She takes the lead and continues to be innovative in her ideas an contributions to the various projects she works on. She takes initiative and is trusted to as a representative of Miramar and its mission and vision. Marissa never asks for recognition for her contributions, even though she deserves it tremendously.

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Facilities Supervisor - works hard keeping the Facilities Crew going, keeps the campus in good shape, always willing to help

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Lindy is the unsung hero of the Transfer Center! She keeps everyone on task and performs tasks without needing to be reminded. Everyone is always going to Lindy to get stuff done in our center. Her colleagues, four-year university reps, and students are always delighted to work with her as she will help everyone and has a positive demeanor when assisting. We are so lucky to have Lindy in the Transfer Center and all of our success attributes to Lindy and her hard work.

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Unsung Hero Award Nomination: Lily Cava

It is with deep respect and admiration that I nominate Lily Cava for the Unsung Hero Award. For over 31 years, Lily has been a quiet but powerful force within the district, dedicating herself selflessly to the success of students, the well-being of colleagues, and the spirit of community on our campus.

Lily’s service began as an hourly employee and evolved into a decades-long commitment marked by care, creativity, and compassion. She is perhaps best known for her remarkable gift baskets—each hand-crafted with artistic detail, personal care, and a financial contribution from her own pocket. For years, Lily has made approximately 100 custom-designed gift baskets annually for various occasions, spending $15–$20 of her own money, adding to what depts give her, on each one to ensure they are meaningful and special. These baskets, expressions of her generosity and artistry, have become a treasured tradition that lifts the spirits of students and staff alike.

In 2017, Lily established the Cava Scholarship, a deeply personal initiative inspired by her own journey as a first-generation college student. The scholarship awards $500 each to two students annually targeting middle-income, first-generation students who often fall through the cracks of federal assistance programs. This initiative stands as a testament to Lily’s enduring commitment to equity and student success, and to her desire to give back in the same way she was once supported after immigrating to the U.S. at age 20.

While working for the district, Lily earned her associate degree from SDCCD and later completed her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from California State University San Marcos—an inspiring example of perseverance and lifelong learning.

Since 2012, Lily has been instrumental in helping various Miramar departments create heartfelt graduation gifts and tokens of appreciation, including gift boxes and cards. Her kindness extends to all corners of the campus—from buying toys for children in the Child Development Center during seasonal events like Halloween, to offering support during times of loss. She played a key role in assisting the family of the late Sam Shoostary, and helped create a Legacy Plaque in honor of Financial Aid’s Lonnie Phan—quietly supporting our community during some of its most difficult moments.

Lily Cava does not seek recognition. She simply shows up, gives, and uplifts. Her actions speak volumes, reflecting her deep love for this community and her belief in the power of education, generosity, and human connection.

For over two decades, Lily has exemplified everything we could hope for in a Miramar employee: compassion, dedication, creativity, and unwavering service. She is, without question, our unsung hero.

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if she is considered a rookie.

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I am excited to nominate Shelly Parks for Rookie of the Year for her outstanding contributions as Miramar’s Basic Needs Coordinator. From the moment Shelly joined our team, she wasted no time in building out the Basic Skills Program and making a significant impact.

In her short time with us, Shelly has already made tremendous strides, including successfully coordinating the 2025 Commencement. Her dedication to students and her passion for breaking down barriers to their success is evident in everything she does. Shelly’s proactive approach and commitment to helping students thrive make her truly deserving of this recognition.

Keep up the great work, Shelly—you're making a lasting difference!

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I am nominating Steve not only for his ability to learn quickly, but for his exceptional personality that makes him a joy to be around.  He has been a huge asset to Miramar and I am personally lucky to have him as one of my Dean's Admins.

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While Christian has only been at Miramar for a few months, he has impressed everyone with how quickly he has learned and how much he has taken on. He is quick to help wherever he can and is always willing to reach out to faculty or classified professionals to gather needed info. We are very lucky to have him here at Miramar!

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I am pleased to nominate Lynne Campbell for The Team Player award. Lynne is the epitome of someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Whether it’s a light bulb that needs replacing or an air conditioning issue, she’s the one we turn to, always quick to take action and resolve the problem.

Her dedication and hard work often go unnoticed, but she is a vital part of our team. Lynne is deeply respected by her colleagues, and her many years of service reflect her unwavering loyalty and commitment. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a team player.

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I would like to nominate Rachel Halligan for Team Player. Rachel is always willing to lend a hand to our ILT team and the Biology department as a whole. She is there when her instructors need extra supplies, or help in their labs. She is also always willing to help out a fellow lab tech. She has also taken on larger role on the campus working as an AFT Campus Liaison and on Classified Senate. She doesn't only lift up the ILT team, she is working to lift up all classified employees.

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I've had the pleasure of working with Dani many times and through various events. She is always willing to lend her time and knowledge to ensure overall success, regardless if it directly benefits her department or not. Her dedication is to students and her efforts don't go unnoticed.

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involved in a lot of roles for the Classified Senate, always there to help

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Has been a great leader of the Classified Senate as President, has great knowledge. always willing to help anyone

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I am proud to nominate Supervisor Dana Stack for The Innovator award. Dana is constantly in a state of creative problem-solving, whether she’s helping a student navigate registration issues or finding new ways to serve students more effectively during staffing shortages.

Her innovative thinking goes beyond her own department—she regularly develops thoughtful, student-centered solutions that benefit both Student Services and Instructional Departments. Always professional and forward-thinking, Dana’s approach is rooted in a deep commitment to student success and operational excellence.

Her ability to think strategically, adapt quickly, and act with purpose makes her a true innovator and an invaluable leader.

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working in the Business Office, on the financial side of things, is not easy task. Elizabeth continues to innovate and streamline processes within her space. If she doesn't know the answer, she will find it out. Her ability to troubleshoot is unparalleled and her willingness to see tasks through to resolution is what makes Elizabeth a great candidate for the innovator award.

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Jill embodies the definition of being a problem-solver. She is an amazing colleague and mentor to bounce ideas off of and finds way to create solutions to problems. Not only is she a great problem solver, she is an amazing person who always knows what to say to uplift those around her.

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When it comes to positive energy, Meredith McGill truly takes the cake! Meredith lights up every room she enters with a warm smile and uplifting words. Her encouraging spirit isn’t just contagious—it’s inspiring.

Whether she’s supporting students, staff, or faculty, Meredith consistently brings enthusiasm, kindness, and optimism to every interaction. Her energy boosts morale, strengthens our community, and reminds us all of the power of positivity.

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brings an amazing energy to the office that’s both contagious and inspiring. Whether it’s through her positive attitude, quick problem-solving skills, or genuine support for her teammates, Arni elevates every space she’s in. She has a knack for turning challenges into opportunities and keeps morale high with her upbeat presence. Simply put, Arni isn’t just part of the team—she’s a driving force behind its momentum and success.

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Have you ever attended an event where Chantal was present and there was music playing? If not, you're missing out. She is the first one to start a conga line, electric slide, etc. Not to mention, she may or may not have posed as Jimmy the Jet a time or two. Overall, Chantal has a smile on her face and you can tell she loves what she does at Miramar. Her impact is felt far and wide.

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(sorry I don't know his last name)- Angel is a delight to work with! If it's a long day or even if I'm feeling unmotivated I can always count on Angel to lift my spirits.

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I'm nominating my team in Student Accounting.  The description of "Dream Team" sums up to a T the work done by Adam, Mandy, Haruko and Joye.  This team works seamlessly together. If someone is absent, which is rare, others fill in and take over their work so students are still assisted timely and no one falls behind.  The team also shares their knowledge with other student service areas and will walk with students to assist them to get their questions answered if they believe the student may be frustrated.  Voters need to ask themselves, has the Student Accounting team ever let me down, have they ever said "no" we cannot do that or do they go out of their way to help solve your issues?

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this team has worked so hard to change the trajectory of what traditional career counseling has been and what it will look like in the future. They've worked tirelessly over the past year to create a space that is welcoming for students, campus programs and community members. They haven't been afraid to re-imagine Career Services offerings and how they benefit the students utilizing them. They deserve the Dream Team award because they continue work together to improve and work towards student success.

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Facilities Services (including Grounds) 

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Facilities Services (including Grounds) 

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behind the scenes but keeps our campus clean and looking beautiful, working hard on the many, many set ups on campus

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They are a small but mighty team supporting the entire campus with onboarding, payroll, budgets, and travel. Without them, the college could not function at all. Their dedication to making sure everything is accurate is vital - they are constantly catching and helping to fix our mistakes.

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I am proud to nominate the VA Team for The Dream Team award. This group works tirelessly to ensure that every student is heard, supported, and set up for success. Their dedication goes far beyond expectations—they consistently go the extra mile to meet each student’s unique needs, often working outside regular hours to make it happen.

Their compassion, teamwork, and commitment make a lasting impact on our students and exemplify what it means to be a true dream team.

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I enthusiastically nominate Sam BeuMaher for The Communicator award. Sam consistently takes initiative to keep the Counseling Department informed of District updates, policy changes, and procedural shifts. Her clear, timely communication ensures our team stays current and aligned.

Sam’s dedication to sharing important information strengthens our department and reflects the true spirit of this award.

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she has great advocate for Classified and as an effective and diplomatic CS President. She is organized and does a great job at passing information down from the top.