Transforming Student Support and Inclusion at West Valley College

At West Valley College, a commitment to equity and inclusion redefined how the institution supports its most vulnerable students. Through the creation of the Office of Student Needs and the Roots Food Pantry, sustainable systems were established to address critical challenges like food and housing insecurity. Alongside these efforts, the development of the Center for Exploration, Identity, and Inclusion provided safe spaces for underrepresented student populations to thrive, while the Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan tackled structural barriers to ensure a more inclusive campus culture. These initiatives, grounded in student support and equity, have driven lasting change and enhanced the academic success and personal well-being of the West Valley College community.

Testimonial: Dr. Debra Griffith is a truly gifted and visionary leader and mentor. Her deeply rooted understanding of how to lead with integrity and grace and her personal and professional commitment to social justice have allowed her to transform each and every institution she has been a part of. In my time working with Dr. Griffith, she demonstrated not only a courageous willingness to challenge our community and organization to "do better", but also a vast empathy and patience to show us how to "do better".  The transformative changes she made to West Valley College during her time there as Vice President of Student Services, Diversity and Inclusion changed the way students experienced their time at the college and the way employees understood their roles. She succeeded in embedding a commitment to equity in the hearts of everyone at the institution. I am deeply indebted to Debra for her work at the college and cannot endorse her more highly to anyone seeking to grow professionally and personally. Not only will you be grateful to know Debra, you will also learn that once she is in your corner, she will always be your champion. -Dr. Stephanie Kashima, Former President, West Valley College

Office of Student Needs and Roots Food Pantry

As Vice President of Student Services, Diversity, and Inclusion at West Valley College, I established the Office of Student Needs to provide critical support for students facing food and housing insecurity, foster youth, undocumented students, and wards of the court. This initiative preempted a statewide mandate and created sustainable systems, such as weekly grocery distributions, which directly contributed to improved student retention and success.

Building on this foundation, I led the creation of Roots: Fuel Your Potential food market, the first community food pantry of its kind in Saratoga, CA. Together, these programs provided essential resources to ensure that vulnerable students had the support needed to succeed academically, while also fostering personal well-being. These initiatives reflect a strategic approach to addressing students' basic needs, positioning West Valley College as a leader in equitable student support systems.

Testimonial: As a student worker in the Basic Needs office, I saw firsthand how much the food pantry and services meant to students. People would come in stressed, and when they learned everything was free, you could see the relief on their faces. With costs rising, having access to food and support, no questions asked, was a real lifeline. It was more than just resources; it was about feeling supported when things got tough. -Former Student, Adian Stilwill, West Valley College

Anti-Racism & Inclusion Action Plan 

As Vice President of Student Services, Diversity, and Inclusion at West Valley College, I led the development, implementation, and oversight of the college’s first Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan. This comprehensive, three-year initiative was designed to dismantle racially biased structures and specifically address anti-Black racism across campus. Involving over 60 stakeholders from various campus divisions, the plan is centered on four key goals: acknowledging the college’s racial history, dismantling systemic barriers, fostering an anti-racist culture, and creating a welcoming and inclusive campus climate. Through strategic working groups, this initiative is driving sustainable institutional change that supports equity for all students.

Testimonial: I had the great fortune to work with Dr. Debra Griffith on West Valley’s Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan. From the beginning, Dr. Griffith empowered members of the team to lead this work and develop our goals and objectives together. I became a leader of one of the subgroups. Debra helped group leaders gain confidence in our abilities to lead by engaging the hearts and minds of our colleagues to become a more anti-racist campus. She expertly coached and supported members of the leadership group move towards meaningful outcomes within each of our groups, while emphasizing that we needed to make small steps to accomplish our goals. Dr. Griffith’s work at West Valley College has transformed our campus. West Valley now has many employees who feel confident moving our anti-racism activities forward due to Debra’s brilliant coaching. -Gretchen Elhers, Former Academic Senate Chair, West Valley College

Center for Exploration, Identity, and Inclusion, El Centro, African American/Black Resource Center, and Pride Center 

As Vice President of Student Services, Diversity, and Inclusion at West Valley College, I led the creation of the Center for Exploration, Identity, and Inclusion, overseeing the establishment of key resource centers, including El Centro, the African American/Black Resource Center, and the Pride Center. These centers were designed to foster community, cultural connection, and academic support for underrepresented student populations. I managed every phase, from ideation to execution, ensuring these spaces serve as welcoming, empowering hubs where students can feel embraced, supported, and empowered to succeed.