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: Maria Padilla Campos - March 2026
April 2026 - Nicole (Nikki) Soto 
Congratulations to Nikki Soto, our April 2026 Employee of the Month. Nikki serves as an Administrative Assistant III for the Public Safety Training Center, supporting the Fire Technology Program, where her positivity, initiative, and commitment to students make a lasting impact.
Nikki was born in San Jose, California, and spent her early years there in a multigenerational home before moving to Sonoma County, where she grew up in Windsor. She graduated from Healdsburg High School and began her college journey at SRJC. With the guidance of a dedicated counselor, she transferred to Chico State, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication with a minor in Latin American Studies. Prior to joining SRJC, Nikki worked for Gap Inc. and Apple before dedicating several years to raising her three children.
Nikki joined SRJC in March 2022 as an STNC in the In-Service Program and was hired as an Administrative Assistant III in 2023. In her current role, she provides administrative support for the Fire Technology Program, coordinates student communications and registration, manages admissions processes, and supports payroll operations. She also serves as a key liaison between students, faculty, staff, and external partners, helping ensure smooth program operations.
Nikki’s supervisor, Ken Sebastiani, Associate Dean, Public Safety/Fire Technology, shared, “Nikki consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities and plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly. Supporting students is her top priority, and she takes the time to ensure each student feels heard, respected, and guided.” She is known for breaking down complex processes for students and helping them navigate applications, enrollment, and program requirements with confidence.
Her impact extends beyond daily operations. Nikki has helped modernize processes at the Public Safety Training Center by implementing digital systems for payroll and Fire Academy applications, improving efficiency and access for both students and staff. She also played a key role in the ARTP reaccreditation process, contributing to a successful outcome in 2025. Associate Dean Sebastiani noted, “Her attention to detail, initiative, and ability to manage complex data have significantly strengthened our programs and operations.”
Nikki credits her success to her passion for student support and her own experience as a first-generation college graduate. “I understand how important it is to have people who guide and support you,” she shared. “I try to be that person for our students.” She finds the greatest reward in watching students grow from uncertain beginnings into confident graduates pursuing meaningful careers.
Beyond her role, Nikki contributes to her community by coaching her daughter’s softball team and volunteering with The Princess Project, which provides prom attire to local high school students. She enjoys music, caring for her indoor plants, and spending time outdoors. Nikki and her husband have been together for 27 years and are raising their three children, whom she describes as “the very best part” of her life.
When asked about being named Employee of the Month, Nikki shared, “I was very touched just to be nominated. Knowing someone took the time to recognize my work meant everything to me.”
Congratulations again to Nikki Soto for her dedication, leadership, and the positive energy she brings to the SRJC community every day!