Dyana Delfín Polk, MPP has led the transformation of Peralta Community College District, bringing it back from the brink of almost losing accreditation, into a new era of stability and student-centered progress.

Endorsed by the college district’s professionals and local policy leaders, she’s a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for quality education, community development and economic empowerment.

“My name is Dyana Delfín Polk, MPP, and I’ve had the privilege to serve on the Peralta Community College board since 2020. As a third-generation Mexican-American, the daughter of a union electrician and a product of our community college system and UC Berkeley, I have consistently delivered as a fierce advocate for public education, fiscal sustainability, and the underrepresented and marginalized.

I’ve put my lived experience and strong community relationships to work building the next generation of students, workers and professionals. In just the past three years, I have:

  • Worked to increase enrollment via our universal free tuition program, which has helped open the doors to education for students of color, working families and others.

  • Pushed the administration to begin outreach to non-English speaking residents, expanding the reach of our programs.

  • Fought for affordable student housing that integrates into our communities without disrupting them.

  • Encouraged staff to seek grants and other funding opportunities to keep us solvent while increasing resources for our students.

  • And, pulled the district out from the brink of probation—a HUGE win after a turbulent decade for the district. Without accreditation, we would not have been able to issue degrees or transfer students.

Together, we have the opportunity to turn a corner, ensure accountability and a healthy budget, and guarantee a high-quality education for all! Will you join me?”

—Dyana

DYANA’S PRIORITIES FOR OUR COLLEGES

  • Strengthening dual enrollment programs to give high school students a fast track to college

  • Ensuring high standards and supports for students to ensure timely transfer to UC & CSU

  • Protecting district accreditation and exceeding expectations to create a world-class institution

Building a Strong Pipeline to the UC

  • Offering effective mental health resources and supports for students and staff

  • Providing students in need with grants for textbooks and other expenses

  • Culturally sensitive programming for our diverse student population

Programming for a Diverse Student Body

  • Increasing enrollment to bring in more per pupil state funds and expand economic opportunity

  • Growing the pie and forging win-wins by establishing public-private partnerships

  • Creatively increasing earned revenue sources, through land leasing for student/faculty housing

Planning for Fiscal Stability & Growth

Proudly Endorsed By:

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín

Berkeley City Councilmember Terry Taplin

Peralta Community College District Trustee Sheweet Yohannes

Berkeley City Councilmember Sophie Hahn

Berkeley School Board Member Ka'Dijah Brown

Berkeley City Councilmember Mark Humbert

Berkeley School Board Member Laura Babitt

Berkeley City Councilmember Ben Bartlett

BART Board Member Lateefah Simon

Contra Costa Community College District President Rebecca Barrett

Oakland City Councilmember Kevin Jenkins

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