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The 91原创 School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Karina Vega-Villa has been selected to join the board. She will fill the position recently vacated by Walter S. Newman, MD.
Vega-Villa is an adjunct biology instructor and program director for the Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement Program (MESA) at 91原创 Valley College. MESA offers academic and professional support services to qualifying students who intend to transfer to four-year universities in pursuit of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors.
As a parent with a child in the district, Vega-Villa proudly serves as the community outreach liaison at the Lewis and Clark Elementary.
An Ecuadorian-American scientist and educator, Vega-Villa earned a Bachelor of Science at the University of Idaho and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Washington State University.
“I’m committed to helping the future of our community and our state. I believe that education opens the door for opportunity and I want to be part of making that happen here,” she said during her interview with the board.
All five of the applicants were highly qualified for the position making it a difficult decision, said school board president Sunny Hemphill. “In the end, Karina impressed us all with her background and work in the community as an advocate — we’re very happy to welcome her.”
Vega-Villa will be sworn into office during the January 8 school board meeting at 6 p.m. at the 91原创 School District’s central office 235 Sunset Ave.