10 Dec A Conversation With Dr. Alexis Montevirgen
A Conversation With:
Dr. Alexis Montevirgen
Pierce College
President
How long have you been volunteering in the community?
I have been an active volunteer in the community for longer than I can think back. I was brought up valuing the importance of service to one’s community, giving back and being of service to one’s community. These values have always been a conscious and dedicated part of who I am and in whatever community I find myself in.
Tell us a little about yourself.
As the first in my family to grow up and go to school in the United States, as I was born in the Philippines and came to this country when I was only seven months old, I faced many of the challenges and obstacles that first-generation students experience going through the educational system.
Growing up with immigrant parents that both worked long hours and being the oldest of two children, my parents relied on me to take on a leadership role in the family from an early age. I would help my parents whether it was watching over my younger brother or starting dinner when I got home from school so that my mother would not have to start dinner from scratch when she and my father would come home after their long days at work. I always felt that in many ways I was already taking on leadership responsibilities while many of those my age were still just enjoying their youthful innocence and spending their afternoons in the playground.
What is one of your Passion Projects that you are working on?
One of my passion projects is ensuring that a high-quality education is available to anyone who wishes to obtain one. This is what has led me to my career in higher education administration and it is what gives me the energy and dedication to continue as a leader in today’s educational climate. This is also why I consider it such an honor to serve as the President of an institution such as Los Angeles Pierce College.
Community colleges are open-access institutions who serve a wide range of students from our local community. Continuing to provide access to high quality, relevant and responsive educational and career training programs to meet the ever-changing needs of our local community is very important to me.
Why do you continue to be a member of The Valley Economic Alliance?
I am a member of The Valley Economic Alliance because I am committed to the educational and economic health and wellbeing of the San Fernando Valley. I want to ensure that Los Angeles Pierce College, along with all great educational institutions in the Valley, are involved in continuing the spirit of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that has allowed us as a Valley to get to where we are today.