“Best of Insight”: Deputy Chancellor of California Community Colleges | Transgender Judge’s Historic Appointment

Summary: <p>“Best of Insight”: Dr. Daisy Gonzales shares their journey from a foster youth navigating the system to becoming second in command of the state’s community college system. The first openly transgender person appointed by a governor in California history.</p> <p><strong>Deputy Chancellor of California community colleges</strong></p> <p>We’ve been taking stock of the first half of 2022 and revisiting some of the most meaningful conversations. One of those conversations was with California’s community college system, which is the largest in the country.</p> <p>Back in March, Insight spoke with <strong><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Deputy-Chancellor" target="_blank">Dr. Daisy Gonzales</a></strong>, a first-generation college student who didn’t learn English until the fourth grade and navigated the state’s foster care system. When she was emancipated, the barriers were high, but she overcame each and every one. From her start at community college, to eventually a Ph.D., and now second in command at California Community Colleges.</p> <hr> <div></div> <p><strong>Transgender Judge's historic appointment</strong></p> <p><strong>Andi Mudryk</strong> is a significant milestone in California history. The 58-year-old was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as Superior Court Judge in Sacramento County. In April, Insight spoke with Judge Mudryk about being the first openly transgender person appointed by a governor to serve on the bench <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/03/25/governor-newsom-announces-judicial-appointments-including-the-first-openly-transgender-judge-appointed-to-the-bench-in-california/" target="_blank">in state history</a>.</p> <p>She also spoke about overcoming a severe disability and what her appointment means at a time when transgender rights are being threatened in other parts of the country. </p>