Samantha Hernandez

Languages Spoken

English and Spanish

Favorite Quote

"I have never, ever focused on the negative of things. I always look at the positive." – Justice Sonia Sotomayor

First Year at West Valley College

2019

Biography

Samantha F. Hernandez is a proud Latina who grew up in Mexico and proudly shares that English is her second language. Her journey in education has been a powerful pathway for personal growth, leadership, and service to others. Samantha currently serves as the Director of Student Needs, Director of Student Engagement, Undocumented Student Liaison, and Advisor to the Associated Students of West Valley College (ASWVC) at West Valley College.

In these roles, she leads initiatives that center student well-being, belonging, and success by ensuring that students have access to the essential resources they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Since June 2019, she has been instrumental in expanding and strengthening basic needs support on campus. Through her leadership, the Office of Student Needs has grown into a hub for services that address food security, financial stability, housing resources, and student wellness. She is deeply committed to creating programs that reduce barriers to education while fostering dignity, community, and empowerment for all students.

As the campus Undocumented Student Liaison, Samantha works closely with undocumented and mixed-status students to ensure they feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout their college journey. Her work focuses on advocacy, resource navigation, and building inclusive environments where all students regardless of background or status can pursue their educational goals. She is passionate about student advocacy and believes that colleges should be places where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

Through her leadership in student engagement and student government advising, she also mentors emerging student leaders and helps cultivate a campus culture rooted in service, equity, and opportunity. Driven by her own experiences and a deep commitment to community, Samantha continues to champion initiatives that uplift students in need and ensure that higher education remains a transformative space for all.