It Started With a Hello: Belonging, Leadership, and Building Community at JJC

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alum Rosa Salazar, Manager of Admissions, Recruitment and Operations, who shares how touring JJC and a staff member’s simple “hello” helped her feel welcomed as a first-generation student and inspired deep involvement in clubs, student government, and serving as student trustee. Rosa describes using student surveys, leadership work, and a Kellogg Foundation grant effort that helped launch what became Multicultural Student Affairs. After transferring to the University of St. Francis, she continued working at JJC and has served in multiple roles for 26 years. She discusses recruitment challenges, especially perceptions of community college, and emphasizes cost savings, transfer partnerships, and career programs. Rosa outlines JJC’s high school outreach, application and Next Step Days, and encourages students to apply for scholarships at https://jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college/scholarships She previews Discover JJC on April 11, 9–noon, featuring campus tours, program showcases, bilingual presentations, and on-the-spot help.