Meet Tawnya Rhoades-Hensley
A Dedicated Champion for College Education
Tawnya is dedicated to empowering individuals. She is deeply passionate about helping others unlock their full potential. As a strong advocate for: education, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, she constantly seeks opportunities to encourage, build and celebrate the inherent worth of every student. Students first has been a lifetime career focus.
As a candidate for San Bernardino Community College Trustee Area 5, an extensive experience and a clear vision for the students of the San Bernardino Community Colleges both present and future is brought forth. Focused on strong leadership, breaking down the barriers to education, empowerment and the well-being of its college students.
Tawnya received her Master's Degree from Azusa Pacific University in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. Her Bachelor's Degree is in Economics from Cal State San Bernardino which helped solidify the appointment to the Workforce Development Board as a Commissioner by Supervisor Baca. She received a scholarship to study Behavior and Diversity at UCLA in 2012. When San Bernardino Valley College Celebrated their 95th Anniversary, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award as a distinguished graduate. She has been in the shoes of our students. She knows firsthand the hurdles that must be overcome.
Tawnya spent twenty-seven years in education, teaching everything from preschool through university, coaching teachers and administrators alike, swinging the pendulum of education in our valley. She always specialized in breaking down the barriers to education for high risk high needs students. This led to her involvement in the creation of multiple career pathways building a brighter future for students, paving the road to an educated workforce.
She has served on many boards while in organizations such as: Rotary, National Charity League, the Assistance League and the San Bernardino Police Foundation. Chairing the youth leadership program for Rotary Life and organizing service projects in our community envelopes her heart. Writing grants, bringing financial support for our area is essential. She has written several to support the completion of the garden. Partnering with Rotary, the POA and Music Changing Lives, she was instrumental in placing two Peace Poles, a small amphitheater, raised garden beds, a bench, a little library and planting many edible plants and roses in this community area. She continues to serve on the Board for Plan-it-Life, a program for youth in need of a group home and extensive wrap around services.
In March she was asked to attend a day of advocacy at the Capitol in Sacramento meeting with legislatures on youth mental health concerns. This training, as well as the ensuing discussion were integral to the work she does with youth in the community. It is her positive passion to embrace the social emotional learning and emotional intelligence of students.
Tawnya's personal experience attending community college has helped her understand the needs of youth and adults entering educational programs. How do we help more people walk through the doors as attendees and matriculate to four year universities, provide internships and job placement? Increasing the educated workforce is an area of focus. Tawnya's belief in community college is so strong, both of her daughters attended community colleges as well. She truly has a strong faith in the level of education received at these institutions. An educated workforce through skill development, program completion and job opportunities will swing the pendulum in a positive trajectory for: our students, their families and our city.