Fullerton College Student Volunteer: Please state your name, occupation and the office you are running for.

Chloe Serrano: My name is Chloe Serrano. I am an education policy adviser, and I am running for North Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 3.

Student Volunteer: How frequently do you visit Fullerton College, Cypress College or North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) to meet students, faculty and staff and discuss their needs? Can you provide an example?

Serrano: I am a Hornet. I previously attended Fullerton College, where I participated in the Promise program and Associated Students. I served as president during my first year and as student trustee the following year. Because I attended fairly recently, I have a personal understanding of what students are going through and what they need.

I also regularly used basic needs resources, including the food bank, when I was a student.

More recently, I visited last month and spoke with a group of students in one of Jodi Balma’s classrooms. I listened to their needs and asked questions, and I answered questions they had for me.

I also talk with noncredit students. I have noticed that their concerns can get overlooked in discussions about student needs, particularly when it comes to employment and feeling represented by the board. I am familiar with the English as a Second Language classes and have spoken with students in those programs regularly. My mother is an ESL instructor at NOCE, which also helps me stay informed.

I am working to visit Cypress College more often because I do not have the same personal connection there. That makes building relationships with students on that campus even more important.

I visit Fullerton College and NOCE fairly regularly, at least once a month, but I would like to increase that to several times a month and get to know more students.

Student Volunteer: What would you do to make sure students in your area feel represented when the board makes decisions?

Serrano: I believe leadership must represent the people being governed. There is no real leadership without representation, and that belief is central to why I decided to run.

If elected, I would be the youngest person on the Board of Trustees and the first Asian American woman to serve on the board. Given that Asian Americans make up about 30% of the district’s population, I find it disheartening that this representation has been missing. At the same time, that makes this campaign especially meaningful to me.

Representation is particularly important when it comes to students because they are the population the district serves. Sometimes, during board meetings, the many agenda items and other issues can overshadow the reason we are there: the students.

I would like to establish office hours where students could meet with me and discuss concerns, including transferring to four-year universities. I would also help students understand how I could use my authority as a trustee to address their needs.

I want to make myself accessible and ensure students know how to reach me, including through my phone number and email. This is an elected position, and being a public servant means being accessible to the people and communities you represent. That is one of my biggest priorities as a leader.

Student Volunteer: In your opinion, what are the most important ways to increase enrollment and encourage students to attend Fullerton College?

Serrano: Enrollment has been growing, but retention is also a major concern. Many students attend community college because they cannot afford to go directly to a four-year university or have not had access to the resources needed to do so. Some want an associate degree, others want to transfer, and some pursue career technical education certificates.

Many community college students are working-class students. Affordability is a major concern, particularly during an economic downturn and a difficult job market. Students are not just going to school; many are also supporting their families and working part-time or full-time jobs. Balancing all those responsibilities can be difficult.

One priority is making sure students are connected with resources that can help them find employment and advance their careers. That includes strengthening workforce development and career technical education certificate programs.

I would also advocate for maintaining and expanding student resources. Many higher education institutions are struggling to maintain services amid federal funding cuts. If elected, I would want to ensure students continue to have access to the resources and spaces they need to build community and succeed in college.

Student Volunteer: How do you think colleges should approach the use of artificial intelligence in curriculum, teaching and student work?

Serrano: AI is widely used, and it is becoming part of everyday life. I am not an AI professional, and although I have personal opinions about it, I do not think those opinions should automatically determine my work as a public servant.

If AI becomes an issue before the board, I would want to work with district professionals who have conducted more research on its use in education. I am willing to acknowledge the limits of my knowledge about technology and rely on people with the appropriate expertise.

One thing I can promise is that, if elected, I would want to hear from everyone affected by the issue, including students, full-time faculty and adjunct faculty. I believe their opinions and concerns all deserve to be heard.

Student Volunteer: Who has contributed to your campaign, and who endorses you?

Serrano: I have received quite a few endorsements, and one thing I am especially proud of is that this is a youth-powered campaign. I am actively working to create opportunities for students while campaigning on the importance of student representation.

Some of our major endorsers include the Orange County Democratic Party, Orange County Young Democrats and New American Leaders, a national organization that supports candidates from marginalized and underrepresented communities.

I have also received endorsements from the district’s United Faculty union and Adjunct Faculty union.

Elected officials who have endorsed me include Barbara Dench, Connor Trout, Mark Pulido, Susan Sonne of the Buena Park City Council and Miguel Alvarez. The list continues to grow, and I am grateful for that support.

Student Volunteer: What are your thoughts on Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoing Assembly Bill 713, which would block paid campus jobs for undocumented college students?

Serrano: I was raised by immigrants, and I will always advocate for making sure all students feel safe, regardless of their immigration status. If elected, that is something I will stand firmly behind. I do not believe any student should have to fear for their safety while pursuing an education.

I disagree with the veto. There are things Gov. Newsom has done on education that I support, but we cannot talk about education priorities without also prioritizing undocumented students.

Fullerton College Hornet Interviews can be seen on the FCHornet YouTube channel under Meet the Candidates 2026.