March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have made an impact in their communities.

We are proud to highlight the contributions of three women who serve in various roles at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) as well as their representative group within the North Orange County Community College District.

Empowering Women, Building Futures with Elaine S. Loayza

Elaine S. Loayza serves an Instructional Assistant in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program and is the President of CSEA Chapter President at NOCCCD.

Elaine’s work embodies the spirit of empowerment and transformation, not only for herself but for the students and classified professionals she serves.

A Passion for Education and Student Success

In her role as an Instructional Assistant, Elaine plays a vital role in supporting NOCE students, particularly those working to improve their English proficiency and academic skills. Whether assisting in the classroom, helping with testing, or providing tutoring, she ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive. “Every day is different, which is what I love about my job,” she shares. “I get to meet students with varying levels of English proficiency, help with testing in the classroom, and provide tutoring. It’s always something new, and that’s what makes the job so rewarding.”

NOCE is a launchpad for opportunity, helping students gain the confidence and skills they need to pursue their dreams—whether it’s landing a job, transitioning to credit college, or learning new skills for personal and professional growth. Elaine’s dedication to student success directly aligns with NOCE’s mission to transform lives through education.

A Voice for Classified Professionals

Beyond her work in the classroom, Elaine is a fierce advocate for classified professionals through her leadership as CSEA Chapter President. Passionate about social justice and the labor movement, she has been actively involved in union work since 2012. “It felt like a calling to do the right thing and step up to represent my group with great honor,” she says.

Elaine’s leadership has led to numerous accomplishments, from securing tentative agreements in contract negotiations to inspiring members to share their opinions and feedback. She envisions a future where classified professionals have a strong voice, better working conditions, and an engaged, passionate membership. “Every day is an accomplishment to me,” she notes. “Seeing our members get involved, speak up, and wear our blue CSEA Chapter shirts—that’s very rewarding.”

Celebrating Women’s History Month

For Elaine, Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the resilience, strength, and contributions of women in all aspects of life. “I’m proud to be a woman, and I love celebrating all the women in both my personal and work families,” she says. “We are special in many ways, and I’m grateful there’s a time to reflect on what we can bring into this world.”

Elaine’s journey at NOCE and NOCCCD is a testament to the power of education, advocacy, and community. Her story is an inspiration to students and colleagues alike, reminding us all of the incredible impact women can have when they step up, speak out, and lead with passion.

Empowering Voices, Leading Change with Karla Frizler

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we take a moment to highlight the inspiring work of women who are making a difference in our communities.

At NOCE, we are proud to recognize Karla Frizler, Associate Dean for the English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Programs and this year, President of the District Management Association (DMA) at North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD). Karla’s leadership and dedication have created lasting positive changes for both students and employees across the district.

Empowering Students Through Language

Karla’s passion for education is rooted in the belief that language is power. Every day, she and her team provide a safe and welcoming environment for ESL students, many of whom are immigrants navigating a new country. “By teaching language, we give people the opportunity to have a voice—to express their needs, concerns, opinions, and ideas,” she shares. NOCE’s ESL Program is more than just education; it is a gateway to independence, confidence, and opportunity. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities, Karla is committed to fostering a space where students feel valued and appreciated. “It feels good to be a safe place for people and to show them that we appreciate and value all students,” she says.

Leading with Innovation and Advocacy

As DMA President, Karla wants to instill that same safety of empowerment for managers at NOCCCD. Since she began her term in 2024, she has focused on strengthening professional development opportunities for members, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to lead effectively. She has worked to connect DMA with districtwide professional development initiatives, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership.

One of her key accomplishments as DMA President was spearheading a highly successful Management Leadership Retreat in Fall 2024. This event, attended by over 100 participants, was a collaborative effort involving DMA leadership, District Professional Development, DEIA initiatives, and the Chancellor’s Office. “We tailored the retreat to the needs of our managers, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. I’m proud of what we accomplished together,” she reflects.

Karla’s leadership philosophy extends beyond structured training—she is working to establish DMA office hours, providing an informal space for managers to ask questions, seek guidance, and engage in peer mentorship. “It’s not formal training; it’s just time for colleagues to talk—asking questions, gathering ideas, and supporting one another,” she says.

A Holistic Approach to Leadership

For Karla, leadership is more than just policies and procedures—it’s about supporting employees as whole individuals. She believes that just as students deserve opportunities for growth and self-expression, so do employees. “I encourage new managers to support classified staff in serving on participatory governance and hiring committees—these are valuable opportunities for professional growth,” she explains. “Everyone should have the chance to share their voice, even if they don’t always have a vote.” Through her various leadership roles, Karla has gained a unique districtwide perspective that allows her to contribute meaningfully to every role she holds. She sees her work as an opportunity to advocate for both students and employees, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Karla believes that Women’s History Month is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of women, but she hopes that recognition extends beyond just one month. “It is my hope that we can celebrate women’s contributions throughout the year,” she says. “More than anything, I want women to be acknowledged as a whole person, and for the things they are most passionate about.” For Karla that is innovation – driving change through vision and creativity; advocacy – representing people who haven’t yet found their voice; and empathy – supporting and caring for both students and employees. Karla’s dedication to advocacy, leadership, and student success exemplifies the impact that strong women can have on their communities. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor her commitment to empowering voices and leading positive change for all.

Marlo Smith’s Journey of Advocacy and Teaching

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements, strength, and resilience of women who make a difference every day.

At NOCE, we are proud to celebrate the incredible women who contribute to our learning community. One of those women is Marlo Smith, an adjunct faculty member in the Noncredit ESL program and the current president of NOCCCD Adjunct Faculty United.

A Passion for Teaching and Connection

Marlo’s love for teaching comes from her deep appreciation for people and the connections she builds with students from around the world. “Even though they come from all over and have so many different life experiences, we all share the same sensibilities—we want to be validated, to be seen, and to be heard,” she shares.

Teaching is more than just a job for Marlo; it’s an opportunity to support students through all of life’s ups and downs. She especially enjoys teaching grammar, guiding her students, and being in a classroom filled with energy and curiosity.

Finding a Voice in Advocacy

Marlo’s journey into leadership started during the pandemic when she felt a disconnect from her colleagues during the social distancing times. Seeking connection, she joined Zoom meetings and slowly began volunteering her time with the union. Before she knew it, she was in a leadership role as the president of NOCCCD Adjunct Faculty United.

“I love advocating for our teachers just as much as we advocate for our students. It’s really a passion of mine,” Marlo says.

Under her leadership, the union has made important strides, including establishing part-time faculty health insurance; securing paid office hours for adjunct faculty, ensuring they are compensated for their time outside the classroom; and clarifying contract language to ensure clarity, fairness, and transparency.

Looking ahead, Marlo hopes to address pay disparities between noncredit and credit instructors, as well as adjunct and full-time faculty members, to create a more equitable work environment.

The Importance of Women’s History Month

Reflecting on the significance of Women’s History Month, Marlo acknowledges the progress that has been made while recognizing the need for continued advocacy. “I wish it was more than just one month a year where we could be celebrated, but look at how far we have come! Our accomplishments should be respected and protected. I look forward to seeing what else we have in store for the future.”

Marlo also feels privileged to work at NOCE, surrounded by strong women leaders who make a difference every day. Their dedication and impact inspire her to keep pushing forward.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

For those considering leadership roles, Marlo offers simple yet powerful advice: “If you’re scared, do it anyway. There is never a good or perfect time to start. If you have an interest, just take the step and make it happen. Even if your outcomes are not perfect or you make a mistake, you will gain so much by learning and growing. We can do hard things!”

A Legacy of Compassion and Connection

Marlo describes herself as compassionate, empathetic, and talkative—qualities that make her an exceptional teacher and advocate. “It’s so important that we take care of each other. That’s why I love teaching so much—we can learn and grow together. I learn from my students every single day.”

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor women like Marlo Smith, Karla Frizler, and Elaine Loayza who uplift their constituents through education, advocacy, and leadership. Their journeys are a reminder that when we support one another, we all rise together. Happy Women’s History Month to all the incredible women making a difference every day!

The post Celebrating Women’s History Month appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

We are thrilled to announce that Helen Serrano has been selected as NOCE’s 2026 Teacher of the Year Nominee! Helen has taught in the ESL Program for 22 years, dedicating her career to empowering and uplifting students through education and fostering a belief in oneself.

Helen’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, as reflected in the heartfelt words of one of her students:

“I would like to nominate Mrs. Helen Serrano because I learned a lot from her throughout the course. It wasn’t just academic lessons; I also learned valuable life lessons. I have a bachelor’s degree from my home country, which means I studied for 16 years and had many teachers. However, Ms. Serrano’s class was the first time I felt that a teacher connected with me as a person, not just a regular student. Since most of my classmates, like me, were newcomers to this country, being in Ms. Serrano’s class helped us feel a sense of belonging to a new group while also learning valuable academic lessons.”

On Tuesday, February 12, 2025, Helen received a surprise visit from the NOCE leadership team to share the exciting news of her nomination. Later this year, Helen will be honored at the Orange County Teacher of the Year Reception hosted by the Orange County Department of Education in November, alongside other exceptional educators from across the county.

Please join us in congratulating Helen Serrano on this well-deserved recognition!

The post NOCE Announces 2026 Teacher of the Year Nominee! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Do you have an amazing instructor? You can nominate them as the Orange County Teacher of the Year. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to let everyone know all that your instructors do for you and how they are changing your life.

The nomination process is simple. Please fill out the linked form:  NOCE 2026 Teacher of the Year Nomination Form. NOCE’s selected nominee will be honored at an annual recognition banquet hosted by the Orange County Department of Education and the premier sponsor, Schools First Federal Credit Union. You can find more information on OCDE Orange County Teachers of the Year website.

The deadline for submitting a nomination is February 6, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Have Questions? 

If you have any questions, please contact the Vice President of Instruction Dr. Karen Bautista at kbautista@noce.edu. 

Thank you for being part of our learning community!

The post Nominate Your Favorite Teacher! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Do you have an amazing instructor? You can nominate your favorite teacher as NOCE’s selection for 2025 Orange County Teacher of the Year. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to let everyone know all that your instructors do for you and how they are changing your life.

The nomination process is simple. Please fill out the linked form: NOCE 2025 Teacher of the Year. NOCE’s selected nominee will be honored at an annual recognition banquet hosted by the Orange County Department of Education and the premier sponsor, Schools First Federal Credit Union. You can find more information on OCDE Orange County Teachers of the Year website.

The deadline for submitting a nomination is February 8, 2024, at 5 pm.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Karen Bautista, at kbautista@noce.edu.

Thank you for being a part of our learning community! 

The post Nominate your favorite teacher for the 2025 Teacher of the Year award! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.