League Excellence Award

Manny Pacheco

Part Time Faculty

Manny Pacheco serves as an adjunct faculty member in the TV and Emerging Media department, where he has passionately committed countless hours to rejuvenate the KLBC Radio Station. Utilizing the innovative LIVE365 app, which is conveniently available for download on smartphones, Manny ensures that the station can be accessed and enjoyed by listeners from virtually any location around the globe. In addition to enhancing the station’s technical capabilities, Manny has been instrumental in guiding TV and Emerging Media students as they develop short informational clips and public service announcements. These student-produced segments are not only an excellent training opportunity but are also periodically broadcast on KLBC, showcasing the students’ talents and creativity. Manny’s vision extends beyond the educational experience; he is dedicated to elevating the profile of KLBC by collaborating with his students to highlight various events related to Long Beach City College. Together, they are working to increase the station’s visibility, ensuring that more community happenings and important announcements are featured on air, thereby strengthening the connection between the college and the community it serves.

Judy Oh

Full Time Faculty

Judy Oh, as a Counselor for over 25 years, she has been a cornerstone of our college’s commitment to equitable student success. Her leadership in reintroducing and scaling ConexEd fundamentally transformed the way LBCC delivers counseling and student services. What began as a software transition became a digital ecosystem, one that now unites 47 counseling programs, 27 specialized support groups, 14 drop-in locations, and Enrollment Services into a single, student-centered platform. Since its implementation, the system has facilitated more than 133,000 student meetings, each representing a real moment of connection, guidance, and hope. Judy’s work is a model of innovation with impact. She anticipated the operational and cultural shifts required for large-scale change and led them with quiet precision. She built cross-departmental alliances with IT, Marketing, and Student Services to ensure data integration, visibility, and shared ownership. She developed in-house training modules, video guides, and onboarding tools that continue to empower new counselors and staff, transforming ConexEd from a project into a sustainable, collegewide infrastructure.

Monique “Mo” Trombley

Classified

Monique “Mo” Trombley, an Administrative Assistant for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Mo’s impact reaches far beyond her job title. She continually seeks to grow her own skills, ensures faculty remain accountable to the needs of students, and consistently champions what is right and fair. Every day, Mo supports faculty and students in History, Political Science, Ethnic Studies, Anthropology, Cultural Geography, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology in addition to assisting those outside of her area, including Business, Economics, Accounting, Fire Science, and Administration of Justice and Child Development. She spearheads SBS events from College Day, Meet the Social Sciences events, the Ethnic Studies Summit, and our annual Holiday Potluck, and is one of the driving forces behind these events running smoothly.   She sends out welcome emails to new adjunct faculty and frequently updates department Canvas sites to make sure faculty have up-to-date information and resources. Monique approaches every task with timeliness, professionalism, and a deep respect for her colleagues. She is thoughtful, kind, and student-focused in all she does, always keeping student success at the heart of her work. Her integrity and dedication make her an indispensable part of our college community and a true model of excellence.

Justin Mendez

Management

Justin Mendez, the Director of Basic Needs at Long Beach City College, is not only a dedicated leader but also a passionate advocate for the students and the community he serves. His unwavering commitment to supporting individuals facing significant hardships is exemplified through the variety of programs he oversees. One of the standout initiatives is the Basic Needs Center, where students can access essential resources to alleviate food insecurity and provide basic health necessities. Additionally, the Safe Parking Program, which offers secure overnight parking for those experiencing homelessness, directly addresses the urgent needs of vulnerable individuals. Justin’s tireless efforts in coordinating these programs ensure that individuals receive the assistance they require, often making a life-changing difference in their circumstances. His work goes beyond mere support; it actively fosters a sense of dignity and hope among students and community members alike. Through his impactful contributions, Justin Mendez is truly reshaping lives on campus and within the broader community.

Mayra Aguilar

Management

Mayra Aguilar has served as a Project Manager for Information Technology Services at LBCC for over five years. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of complex projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Her work involves managing the integration of classroom technology in new building construction, leading technology refresh initiatives for existing classrooms, and coordinating various phases of technology upgrades to support faculty, staff, and students. Mayra consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex projects across multiple departments. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media Arts from CSUDH and has a deep passion for both education and technology. Mayra is well-known for fostering lasting relationships with everyone she meets, including LBCC employees, vendors, and students. She consistently goes above and beyond to brighten others’ days, all while maintaining an exceptional work ethic and a high standard of excellence. With deep institutional knowledge and a genuine passion for LBCC, she has been a cornerstone of the community throughout her career. Whether leading technological advancements at LBCC, volunteering with Chicas Rockeras to mentor youth, roller skating with colleagues, or performing with her band, Canas – Mayra’s infectious smile and steadfast commitment to excellence make her a true example of exceptional leadership.

David Goto

Full Time Faculty

David Goto has been responsible for the library’s day-to-day operations at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus since 2014. He was born and raised in Southern California with a lifelong passion for history, and graduated from Fullerton College with an AA in History. He later received his BA and MA in History from CSU Fullerton. David attended the San Jose State M.L.I.S. program where he was an intern at the 20th Century Fox Film Studios as a film/TV series research librarian. After spending 25 years working in the Disneyland retail stores he moved on and worked as an adjunct faculty librarian at Fullerton College, Cypress College, Orange Coast College, Long Beach City College, and Chapman University. Over the years, he has served as a member of the Summer Bridge Program, the inaugural LEAD Academy, and the OER Taskforce. David has also served on the Academic Senate, Curriculum Committee, LLRC (LBCC Foundation),  as an SLO Facilitator, and as a Building Emergency Coordinator.  He is currently organizing the LBCC Library’s Archives for the centennial celebration in 2027 with other fellow LBCC colleagues. As a hobby, David has been an avid photographer for decades starting with his interest in motorsports attending races including the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Marina Krasotkina 

Part Time Faculty

Marina Krasotkina is an adjunct Chef Instructor in the Culinary Arts Department.  She is a dedicated instructor and an advisor for the culinary club. Drawing from her rich cultural background, she creates meaningful opportunities for students to engage with diverse perspectives while sharing their traditions. She has been a driving force behind many events celebrating cultural exchange, including festivals, club collaborations, and international cultural events. Her dedication to fostering cultural fluency through the lens of culinary arts makes her a proud League of Excellence Award recipient.

LooLoo Amante Tupua 

Classified

LooLoo Amante Tupua has demonstrated remarkable leadership, dedication, and a commitment to advancing student success in the LBCC Early College Initiatives Office. Through her strategic efforts, Looloo has made a measurable and lasting impact on dual enrollment, student achievement, and partnership development with Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) high schools. Her leadership resulted in the highest number of dual enrollment students to date, and her work in streamlining recruitment and matriculation processes has substantially boosted the program’s reach and effectiveness. Additionally, Looloo organized three “Discover LBCC” events, drawing over 350 students each semester, and trained interns on utilizing data-driven approaches to course success evaluations. Her attention to data analysis, proactive attitude, and commitment to training team members have led to the creation of dynamic tools and processes that continuously support dual enrollment students in reaching their educational and career goals. Looloo’s positive and collaborative approach has solidified her role as a valuable member of the Early College Initiatives team. Her focus on achieving results, exceptional communication skills, and dedication to student support have made her an asset to Long Beach City College and a model of excellence. Looloo’s contributions underscore the transformative impact she has had on both students and colleagues.

Douglas Raphael

Faculty

Douglas Raphael serves as a Professor in the Communication Studies Department. He joined LBCC in 2014. He was born and raised in Bellflower, CA. He earned an A.A. from Cypress College and was a member of the tennis team and the debate team. After transferring from Cypress College, he earned a B.S. from CSULB and was on the crew (rowing) team and the debate team. He received an M.A. in speech and a law degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He taught communication courses in the Hawaii community college system for nine years before moving back to California. While at LBCC, he has served as a Department Representative for the LBCC Faculty Association, chair of the Course Evaluation Subcommittee, and chair of the Committee on Curriculum and Instruction..

Preston Smith

Classified

On a daily basis, Preston personifies hard work and dedication to Long Beach City College. He often goes beyond of what’s expected of him while setting up for District and external special events. As a Special Event Assistant for Event and Filming Services, he has created a network of relationships during his career, which, in result, leads to the Manager of Event and Filming Services hearing how great Preston is very, very often. He simply exemplifies an outstanding District employee.

Kal Stewart

Management

Kal Stewart actively partners with and supports campus programs and events through volunteering, contributions, and co-sponsorship both on and off campus. He plays a pivotal role in connecting students with their Success Coaches to foster out-of-classroom and off-the-field success. Kal demonstrates a creative approach in assessing area needs and recommending effective solutions that align with the goals of Athletics, completion rates, and the overall college objectives. His involvement extends to leadership roles within CCCAA, where he provides valuable input at both state and local levels. Kal ensures rigorous compliance with student-athlete regulations, overseeing the training and certification of all necessary personnel. Currently, he is embarking on his doctoral journey at Arizona State University in collaboration with LBCC.

Jennifer Holgren

Management

Jennifer Holmgren was hired in LBCC’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness more than nine years ago as the Educational Assessment Research Analyst to support student learning outcomes assessment.

Jennifer currently serves as the Director of Planning to support institutional planning, program review, accreditation, student learning outcomes, and participatory governance processes and practices.

Arne Nystrom

Classified

Arne Nystrom is a 32-year career employee who started as a student worker for the Computer and Business Systems department. Arne played a key role in designing key infrastructure and technology that we all use daily. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arne adjusted LBCC’s network model to remote access within weeks. Most recently, Arne’s expertise has been instrumental in transitioning phone systems from Skype to MS Teams and upgrading campus security camera and safety systems.

Trisha Wilging

Faculty

Trisha Wilging is a faculty member in the Reading and Teacher Preparation Department. Her dedication to LBCC as the Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) Coordinator, the Academic Senate Secretary, and as a faculty member who often works 12-hour days has made her the worthy recipient of this honor. She is currently completing a Trauma Studies certificate outside of her work.