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: Beyene Megos - January 2025
February 2025 - Carmen Quiroz
It is an honor to celebrate Carmen Quiroz as our February 2025 Employee of the Month! Carmen serves as a Social Worker and Basic Needs Liaison for SRJC’s Petaluma Student Services, where her commitment, advocacy, and compassion have significantly impacted the lives of students.
Carmen was born in Mexico and grew up in Michoacán before immigrating to the United States in 1999. She attended Petaluma High School and continued her educational journey at SRJC, Sonoma State University, and California State University, Long Beach, earning an AA in Social and Behavioral Science, a BA in Psychology, and a Master of Social Work.
Carmen has had many roles at SRJC over the years. She began her career at SRJC as a student employee in the library from 2004-2006, then worked as an STNC Cultural Liaison and A&R Testing Technician from 2006-2013, followed by being a Testing Technician/Specialist from 2013-2022. Since 2022, she has served as a Basic Needs Social Worker. In this role, Carmen has been instrumental in co-leading the development and implementation of the Homeless and Housing Insecure Program, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable students receive the support they need to thrive both personally and academically.
Her supervisor, Michelle Vidaurri, said “Carmen consistently prioritizes compliance and student advocacy with equal focus. She is a trusted colleague with the ability to manage these two goals effectively and problem-solve with great skill. It is really amazing to watch this in action.”
Carmen’s passion for equity and inclusion is evident in her work. She uses her personal experiences as a first-generation college student, former ESL learner, and Latina immigrant to empower students to navigate the challenges of higher education. She provides resources and tools to help students secure housing, access vital services, and achieve their educational goals. Her ability to lead with empathy and expertise makes her an invaluable asset to the SRJC community.
Reflecting on this recognition, Carmen said, “It was a surprise, but I felt honored and joyful to know that the work I have been doing throughout my 13-year career at SRJC is appreciated and seen by others.”
Outside of work, Carmen enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family, which includes her twin sister, five siblings, and her dog, Coco.
Congratulations to Carmen Quiroz, a dedicated and compassionate advocate for our students and a valued member of the SRJC community. This recognition is a testament to her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to student success.