The South Central Coast Center of Excellence (COE) is excited to announce that its team has expanded! Janneth Najera joined the SCC COE as a Research Manager and brings more than ten years of quantitative and qualitative research to the team. We sat down with Janneth to get to know her a bit and learn her thoughts about her new role.

What interested you in the SCC COE Research Manager position?

My interest in the SCC COE Research Manager position stemmed from my deep commitment to educational equity and workforce development, particularly for historically underserved communities. With over a decade of experience in higher education, including financial aid coordination, student advocacy, and Hispanic-Serving Institution research, I saw this role as a unique opportunity to combine my passion for data-driven policy with my dedication to social justice.

What especially drew me to this position was the chance to support eight community colleges across the SCC Region by producing research that directly informs programs, funding, and initiatives designed to improve student outcomes and economic mobility. As someone from a working-class, immigrant background, I understand firsthand the transformative impact that access to well-paying, meaningful careers can have on students and their families. Being part of a team that generates actionable labor market insights for educators, administrators, and regional partners allows me to contribute to system-level changes that support equity in education and employment.

Moreover, my academic background in Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies and my training in culturally responsive research practices enable me to approach labor market analysis with an intersectional lens, ensuring that our data reflects the realities of diverse student populations. This role aligns perfectly with my personal mission to uplift communities through research that is accessible, relevant, and equity centered.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role?

What I’m looking forward to most in my role as Research Manager at the South-Central Coast Center of Excellence is the opportunity to produce labor market research that has a direct and meaningful impact on educational equity and economic mobility across our region. Supporting eight diverse community colleges means I get to help shape programs and policies that can better serve students, especially first-generation, low-income, and BIPOC students, by aligning education with high-opportunity career pathways.

I’m especially excited to collaborate with faculty, administrators, and regional stakeholders to ensure our labor market data is not only accurate and timely, but also accessible and actionable. I look forward to applying both my technical research skills and my lived experience to produce insights that help colleges make data-informed decisions, close equity gaps, and strengthen regional workforce partnerships.

Most importantly, I’m eager to bring a culturally responsive, equity-minded lens to our research, ensuring that the stories and needs of historically marginalized communities are reflected in the data and uplifted in the decisions it supports. Being able to do that at a regional level is both humbling and deeply motivating.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

In my free time, I love to unwind by golfing, it’s one of my favorite ways to relax, challenge myself, and enjoy the outdoors. I’m also a big foodie and always on the hunt for new places to eat, whether it’s a hidden gem or a trendy spot with an exciting menu. Exploring new cuisines is one of my favorite ways to learn about different cultures.

At home, I’m kept happily busy by my two furry children, Benny and Jett, my lovable Mini Schnauzers who are always up for cuddles and adventures. I also cherish spending quality time with my amazing partner; we love to travel together and are always planning our next getaway. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or exploring a new city, traveling is how we recharge and make memories.