Each month Santa Rosa Junior College recognizes excellence on campus with an Employee of the Month Award. Visit the Employee of the Month Nominations page to find out how to nominate someone you feel deserves this distinction. Here is a list of past EOM recipients.
Previous recipient: Yajayra Bedolla - April 2024
May 2024 - Lorena Ramirez de Hernandez
Congratulations to Lorena Ramirez de Hernandez for being named the May 2024 Employee of the Month at Santa Rosa Junior College. Lorena is an Admissions & Records Specialist on the Petaluma Campus.
Lorena's employment at SRJC began in 2015, but her connection to the institution runs deeper. Prior to joining the classified staff, she earned her GED and Associate Degree from SRJC, followed by her Bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University. Originally from Mexico City, Lorena moved to California at the age of 16, starting her experience in the United States by working in the fields and later establishing her own cleaning business. Despite facing challenges, Lorena pursued her education relentlessly, embodying the spirit of determination and resilience.
As an Admissions & Records Specialist, Lorena processes Admissions & Records forms, assisting students through enrollment, financial aid, accounting, and outreach. She stated, “I want to support students to achieve their goals and ensure that educational opportunities are accessible to all students who seek them.”
Lorena’s supervisor, Denise Cooper, Manager, Enrollment & Student Services Centers, Petaluma, shared, “Lorena is passionate about serving students. She is always happy to share her personal story with students. She meets students where they are, and helps them find the value in their education.”
While Lorena acknowledges public speaking as her biggest challenge, she embraces the diverse responsibilities of her role and appreciates the camaraderie among her colleagues. She is actively involved in organizations such as the JED Campus, LSFA Latinx Employee Affinity Group, and Latinas in Petaluma. She also extends her service beyond her job description, volunteering for various campus events and ceremonies.
Denise said, “Lorena volunteers at every SRJC event that she can, regardless of the location. She is usually the first one there and the last one to leave. She is a wonderful representative of SRJC. Her affectionate smile shows how proud she is to be part of the SRJC family, and we are proud of her.”
Outside of work, Lorena finds joy in activities such as going to the gym, hiking, playing dominos, dancing, and watching movies, all while balancing her role as a mother to four children.
She was very honored to be nominated for this award, which reflects the positive impact she has made within the SRJC community.