Celebrating Stellar Employees with the 2024 North Star Awards
Four employees of the North Orange County Community College District were presented with 2024 North Star Awards for their significant contributions to the District's mission, vision, and values.
At the Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Board of Trustees Meeting, four North Orange County Community College District employees were presented with the 2024 North Star Awards for making significant contributions to our District’s mission, vision, and values.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 NOCCCD North Star Awards:
- Kashmira Vyas, NOCCCD, Executive Director, Fiscal Affairs
- Stephanie Teer, Cypress College, Dual Enrollment Project Director
- Rena Martinez Stluka, Fullerton College, Director, Admissions and Records
- Denise Mora, NOCE, Career Resource Center Coordinator
As “The Destination District,” NOCCCD believes that our success stems from exceptional employees who consistently embody and manifest our commitment to improving student outcomes. We achieve this by providing top-notch customer service and fostering an environment where all members of our community feel welcome, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
The NOCCCD North Star Awards are given out once a year by the members of Chancellor’s Staff in appreciation of an individual’s exceptional contribution to our campuses and District. Chancellor’s Staff would like to thank this year’s winners for their exemplary individual accomplishments, contributions and performance in their jobs, as well as their efforts to inspire and support the achievements of others.
Read on for some more information about the awardees.
Kashu Vyas, NOCCCD Executive Director, Fiscal Affairs
Kashu Vyas has been a loyal NOCCCD employee since 2001. Her first job was as an hourly in the Cypress College Theater Department. She then joined the District Accounting team in 2005 and retired in September as the Executive Director of Fiscal Affairs.
Kashu’s colleagues say that her work performance is exemplary, consistently marked by precision, dedication, and diligence. Her support and collaboration with her staff and the campus finance personnel has established her as a trusted and reliable leader.
Kashu has significantly improved operating efficiency and increased productivity through a series of strategic initiatives. She developed Student Centered Funding Formula (SCFF) worksheets to ensure accurate financial planning and created presentation materials to foster an advanced understanding of the formula. Kashu also created reimbursement sheets and travel expense reports that enhance efficiency and accuracy. By working with the Orange County Department of Education on electronic fund transfers, Kashu has expedited and modernized financial transactions for the District.
As a recognized leader at the state level, she is considered a subject matter expert, often sought after for her insights and guidance. Her professional expertise and respected knowledge have not only bolstered the District’s credibility but also showcased its commitment to financial integrity.
Stephanie Teer, Cypress College, Dual Enrollment Project Director
As Cypress College’s Dual Enrollment Project Director, Stephanie has been instrumental in leading the significant expansion of the program while maintaining consistent student success rates. This expansion, her exceptional work ethic, and her strong commitment to students demonstrates her outstanding abilities. Stephanie has led a team that has achieved significant program growth, increasing Full-Time Equivalent Student enrollment, and seeing student success rates of 94% last year.
With a strategic vision of creating a collective impact and fostering stronger partnerships, Stephanie has made significant strides in collaborating with our feeder high schools. Ms. Teer is passionate about connecting our school with the community and creating opportunities for growth and advancement for everyone involved. Her hard work and dedication are evident in the positive impact she has made on various partnerships and programs.
Ms. Teer’s comprehensive and visionary strategies have greatly impacted student achievement and fiscal stability. The Dual Enrollment Program has seen significant growth and development under Stephanie’s guidance, resulting in enhanced curriculum and program offerings for both students and faculty members. Over the past eight years, Stephanie’s dedication has transformed the program into a highly successful pathway for college readiness.
Rena Martinez Stluka, Fullerton College, Director, Admissions and Records
For the past 20 years, Rena Martinez Stluka has dedicated herself to Fullerton College and the North Orange County Community College District. Rena has grown from an Adult Hourly and moved up within the college as an Admissions & Records Technician, Admissions & Records Supervisor, Registrar, and now as the Director of Admissions & Records. She serves on the California Association of Community College Registrars and Admissions Officers Executive Board and has presented at various state and national conferences to support undocumented students to ensure equity and a safe space for all.
Rena also serves on numerous campus and District committees, including the Hispanic Serving Institution Transformation Team; Guided Pathways Workgroup; District Management Association Executive Board; and the Technology Implementation Committee. Her in-depth knowledge and technical expertise are felt and valued throughout the District and has led to her nickname as “the Banner Queen.”
Her thoroughness, attention to detail, and work ethic are second to none. She leads projects from concept to implementation and collaborates effectively to strengthen the team. She is warm, compassionate, and easy to talk to and work with. Students, staff, and everyone loves Rena!
Denise Mora, NOCE, Career Resource Center Coordinator
Denise’s impact on the Business Skills Lab, now transformed into the Career Skills & Resource Center, has been nothing short of extraordinary. She played a pivotal role in this conversion, demonstrating her remarkable leadership and strategic vision. Under her guidance, the center has flourished into a vibrant hub of learning and support for students and staff alike.
In her role overseeing lab assistants and student workers, Denise leads by example, nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently placed students at the forefront, offering individualized support and guidance on various aspects of career development—from resumes and cover letters to interviews and college applications. Her impact is tangible, reflected in the outstanding success stories of students securing jobs and thriving in their chosen fields.
In summary, Denise Mora’s contributions to NOCE are nothing short of extraordinary. Her exemplary work performance, her unwavering commitment to promoting positive morale and student success, and her relentless pursuit of operational efficiency and productivity exemplify the essence of the North Star Award.
Congratulations to all the 2024 NOCCCD North Star Award Winners!
