Receipent of the
Dr. Marian C. Shivers Mentor Award
DR. HELEN BENJAMIN, CHANCELLOR
Contra Costa Community College District
“Be the Change you wish to see in the world”. Mahatma Gandhi stated these words and they so eloquently embody the person being nominated for the Dr. Marian Shivers Mentor Award. Dr. Helen Benjamin has tirelessly served the Contra Costa Community College District for over 23 years. She has held various high level positions ranging from Dean to President. She currently serves as the Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District.
Dr. Helen Benjamin understands the urgency created by the large number of impending retirements by those in management positions and the lack of prepared African Americans to replace them. Her resolve is strong in contributing to the solution to this problem and desires to fill the management pipeline with qualified African Americans so they are prepared to confidently step into management positions and not just do the job, but create a legacy as she herself exemplifies. She understands the importance of professional development and mentorship and purposely searches for opportunities to connect our people with growth opportunities.
Through the years, she has provided the financial support to send nine people to the NCBAA Leadership Development Institute. Each of the nine graduates have advanced to management positions or taken on greater responsibilities within the community college district. With the support of Chancellor Helen Benjamin, graduates of the institute have followed her lead and made outstanding contributions to the Contra Costa Community College District. Each graduate of the institute without doubt, believes that they were provided a gift by attending the institute. Graduates strive to emulate the work that she has done and continues to do. Dr. Benjamin has used her resources to send individuals to trainings and mentors individuals to help them move up in the ranks to management.
Dr. Benjamin has a strong commitment to leadership and it is without reserve that she does so. She continually encourages members in the district to do more and be more to make positive changes within the district and wherever they advance to in their careers.
Dr. Benjamin developed and implemented the Contra Costa Community College Leadership Institute (4CDLI) to support those who aspire to move into leadership positions in the district. Many alums from the Leadership Institute have been selected and received additional training on how to be effective leaders.
While attending the NCBAA LDI, many individuals that were present knew of Dr. Benjamin, yet more importantly they were also proud to say that she has mentored them and encouraged them to move up in the ranks. It is an honor to sit, learn, and study the movements of Dr. Helen Benjamin because we believe that she commands the respect of many people. She is a change agent and role model to many. Her work will have continued impact. She truly deserves the prestigious Dr. Marian C. Shivers Mentor Award.