2022 Take a Lunch Break Speaker Series

Our Take A Lunch Break speaker series is an opportunity to get to know newly appointed and elected leaders in California higher education. These lunch-hour conversations are opportunities for students, college advocates, college leaders, and other higher education stakeholders to connect with these key figures, learn more about their roles, and learn more about their visions for higher education in the state.

Take a Lunch Break with Ben Chida

On January 27, 2022, we were joined by Ben Chida, Chief Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Governor Gavin Newsom, to kick off our Take a Lunch Break Speaker Series in 2022. He shared about his personal college journey, his higher education priorities, and details of the Governor’s state budget proposal for higher education.

Take a Lunch Break with Marlene Garcia

On March 29th, 2022, Marlene Garcia, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), joined us in a special Women’s History Month lunch break to share her higher education priorities as the head of and how financial aid supports women’s success.

Take a Lunch Break with Christopher Cabaldon

On April 18th, we took a lunch break with Christopher Cabaldon, Mayor in Residence of Institute for the Future, to hear how Governor Newsom’s proposed 70% college-attainment goal & multi-year funding compacts can significantly expand college opportunity.